The national Carry the Load campaign is coming through Athens Monday. The organization supports members of the military, law enforcement, firefighters, rescue personnel and their families. The 2018 Memorial May Campaign includes relays, and rallies that cover more than 6,000 miles. Executive Director Debbie Wright says since 2011, over 75-thousand American have participated and helped raise more than $17.7 million.
“Carry the Load was founded in 2011 by two former Navy SEALs, that as they came off the teams experienced quite a bit of loss and wanted to do something for people to understand the true meaning of Memorial Day,” Wright said. “So they started an event in Dallas, it has now grown to a bicoastal relay.”
Wright says area residents are invited to take part in the walks.
“They can come and meet us at any of the exchange points and walk with the relay team, and it’s typically about a five-mile walk. They just walk along with us and share their stories and talk about who they’re carrying and learn about who somebody else might be carrying.”
This year’s campaign kicked off on April 26th. The relay is expected at the Athens Fire Department on College Avenue at noon on Monday and the Public on Atlanta Highway at 2 pm. Additional area stops include those in Comer and Watkinsville.
To participate, donate, or volunteer, visit www.carrytheload.org of follow on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.