Memorial May

TOPEKA (KSNT) — For more than a decade, one nonprofit has been on a mission to restore the true meaning of Memorial Day.

Carry the Load is a national relay that spans across 20,000 miles. It moved through Topeka on Thursday. The initiative aims to honor and remember individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice.

27 News had the opportunity to speak with Jason Ash, a veteran and team member. He said they believe it’s crucial for people to remember our fallen heroes.

DALLAS - WFAA hosts a phone bank for Carry The Load. Thousands of people are making their way to North Texas in honor of servicemembers and first responders who gave their lives in greater service.

TEMPLE, TEXAS - Carry The Load - a nonprofit that provides active ways to connect Americans to the sacrifices of the active-duty military, veterans, first responders and their families - made a stop at Fort Cavazos on Thursday.

TEXARKANA, Texas (KSLA) - Carry The Load is a national nonprofit organization that will be walking through the ArkLaTex in route to Dallas.

The Memorial Day walk started over ten years ago for veterans who felt like the nation had forgotten the meaning of Memorial Day.

“My job is to walk and talk with them (families of veterans) and make them know they are not the only one who is carrying them. We want to give them a little closure and realize they are not alone,” said spokesperson Xaki Mohamed.

TEXARKANA, Ark. -- Each stage of a 22-mile walk Thursday through Texarkana was a step toward returning meaning to Memorial Day, Carry The Load participants said.

The eight-person relay team that passed through the area is part of the New England Route, which started May 3 at Waterfront Park in Burlington, Vermont. The group's trek includes several stops and public participation on the 3,700-mile journey to Dallas for a Memorial Day meetup with participants tracing four other routes around the country.