For several years, on the Friday before Memorial Day, a group of tired but dedicated walkers has been escorted by the Mount Vernon Fire Department and local law enforcement from Winfield to downtown Mount Vernon. These walkers were part of a Carry The Load team, making their way from New England to Dallas to raise awareness of the true meaning of Memorial Day while honoring and remembering military members and first responders along the way. A few local residents would join them in the last part of the walk, often from the Hwy 67 rest stop or from the City Cemetery, while others waited at the square to clap and cheer them on as they finally made it into town for a brief stop to eat burgers grilled by fire department volunteers, to take some pictures, and to share a story or two. It was always a meaningful moment in time that local residents looked forward to and that Carry The Load team members appreciated.
Last year, everything changed. As Carry The Load began shifting its vision, it no longer had a team walking through this area. Their focus began shifting instead toward local community events throughout the country, especially in rural areas, where more time could be spent with Gold Star families and others who were "carrying" a warrior lost and still mourned. And because of a special partnership with local nonprofit Warrior Spirit Project, the meaningful moment of years past became one of those community events instead. An opportunity was created for everyone to gather in a truly meaningful way. And it was definitely very special.
The Mount Vernon Carry The Load Community Event is back this year. Warrior Spirit Project is honored to once again be a NonProfit Partner and invites everyone to come see what this is all about. Maybe you already know the purpose of Memorial Day, but you can help us remember its true meaning together, with family, friends, and neighbors. Maybe you want to walk with us and have someone you want to "carry". There will be flags and flag cards for that. Maybe you just want to come sit and reflect, hear a veteran's story, or listen to some country music sung by a U.S. Navy veteran. A special guest and friend of Warrior Spirit Project - Army veteran Andrew White - will also be here with his wife to hear the song he wrote as part of his own healing process. It's a song especially fitting for Memorial Day (bring a tissue). And yes, there will be food generously provided by the Mount Vernon Fire Department once again. They serve food while we remember that many like them can no longer serve at all.
Will you join us for something special? Whatever your reason, we look forward to sharing this time with you at the Mount Vernon Plaza - Saturday, May 16th, from 9am to 1pm.
