MERIDIAN, Idaho — Carry The Load completed three legs of the national 20,000-mile relay from Boise to Meridian on Sunday leading up the annual meeting in Dallas, Texas on Memorial Day.
Two Navy SEALs created the national non-profit in 2011 after returning home from serving their latest tour. They felt the sacrifice of those that died in the line of duty was not fully realized by the general public on Memorial Day - a day dedicated specifically to the ultimate sacrifice.
They felt people often conflated the federal holiday with Veteran's Day.
"We love our veterans," Volunteer Rilea Stapf said. "But Memorial Day is for those that are no longer here."
Carry The Load challenges people to shoulder a heavy weight - 40 to 50 lbs. - and walk in remembrance of a lost first responder or military member. It's how the non-profit's founders coped with the loss of their fellow SEALs.
"He lost a lot of brothers," Stapf said.
Three relay legs with participants joining throughout the day started in Boise at the Shoreline Business Center and ended at the Idaho Peace Officer's Memorial in Meridian. It's roughly a 10.5-mile walk.
"I'm all for it," Jodi Raymond said.
She walked the final 4-mile leg with three names pinned to her ruck; each is a family member who served or is still active. All are still alive.
"The military can often be a thankless job through what those serving have to deal with both mentally and physically." Raymond said.
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