‘Carry the Load’ National Relay volunteers make their way to the Coast
‘Carry the Load’ volunteers have made their way through the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
‘Carry the Load’ is a nonprofit that provides active ways to connect Americans to the sacrifices of our military, veterans, first responders, and their families.
Thousands of volunteers will walk in the national relay that spans 20,000 miles, 48 states, and 85 rallies. During one of their routes, they stopped at the Gulfport Fire Department.
The 12th annual campaign strives to raise awareness for the true meaning of Memorial Day while raising funds along the way. East Coast Relay Manager Jason Santos said, “My job is to be out with the team and make sure we get to where we’re supposed to be safely, and interact with some pretty amazing people along the way, listen to their stories, hear about their loved ones that they’ve lost, and just kind of help them…offer a venue for them to heal and talk about their loved ones.”
Event Coordinator Madison Woodson said, “With Memorial Day being on Monday, it’s bittersweet. We’ve met so many incredible families, so many touching stories, and now being in the Gulf Coast and being in Biloxi and Gulfport, and getting around that military community, it definitely touches your heart.”
Volunteers will continue the campaign tomorrow through New Orleans and will eventually make their way back to Dallas, Texas.
