This Memorial Day, Carry the Load participants will walk around White Rock Lake for up to 20 hours and 11 minutes carrying (optional) weighted packs. Symbolically, it pays homage to military, police and fire men and women, who literally and metaphorically carry a heavy weight on behalf of our neighborhoods, city and nation.
Organizers say they hope this walk round-and-round White Rock Lake’s 9.2-mile loop will be the beginning of a new tradition and a new way of thinking.
We need to partner with visionaries like you to change the way we honor the people who make sacrifices and serve our country and community. Your generosity will begin to change the way Americans observe Memorial Day and honor the members of the military, law enforcement officers and firefighters who have died or were wounded while carrying the load for their country and communities, and begin a new tradition for future generations.
Opening ceremonies begin on Sunday, May 29 at 3:00 p.m. and closing ceremonies begin on Monday, May 30, at 12:30 p.m.
The event will include a parachute jump over White Rock Lake, veterans, color guard, national anthem, a 21-gun salute, Naval Flyover and cookout. Schedule here.
Carry the Load is a component of the multifaceted White Rock Lake Centennial celebration. Proceeds benefit Heroes on the Water, Joe Foss Institute, Fisher House, Assist the Officer Foundation, Dallas Firefighters Museum, and White Rock Lake Conservancy.
You can register to participate, officially, for a $50 contribution that you can make here. You can walk for as long as you choose, or you could volunteer for a 4-hour shift.
The Morning News has a piece about the event’s founders Stephen Holley and Clint Bruce, former Navy Seals who plan to run the 20+ hours wearing 20-lb backpacks.
And here’s a video I found on youtube:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8R2ndwkqaSs&feature=player_embedded#at=28[/youtube]
