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Carry The Load: Honoring fallen heroes through a nationwide walk

May 18, 2024

CBS 7 News

By: Isabella Garriga

ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) – Carry The Load, a nonprofit organization, honors fallen soldiers in the United States military and first responders who have died in the line of duty by walking across the country in commemoration.

This year’s Carry The Load West Coast relay began two weeks ago on May 2nd in Seattle. With Memorial Day approaching next Monday, the West Coast team has one more week until they reach their final destination: Dallas.

Carry The Load offers an engaging and active way for everyday Americans to connect with and honor the sacrifices made by military personnel, first responders, and veterans. Today, the relay stopped in West Texas, drawing attention and support from the local community.

Colton Morrow, West Coast Relay Manager for Carry The Load, shared his enthusiasm for the event:

“We’ve been walking all the way here to beautiful Odessa, Texas, and we’re going to Dallas the Sunday right before Memorial Day with the rest of our team that’s across the country. All five teams come together for a big celebration on Memorial Day to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.”

Colton Morrow, West Coast Relay Manager for Carry The Load

Carry The Load’s mission is deeply rooted in its history. The movement began in 2011 when Stephen Holley and Clint Bruce, two veteran U.S. Navy SEALs, marched for 20 hours and 11 minutes, aiming to remind Americans of the sacrifices made for their freedom. Morrow recounted a pivotal moment that inspired the organization’s name:

“This old World War II veteran stopped him and noticed he had something on his mind and said, ‘Son, who are you carrying?’ That’s where the tagline came from…’Who are you carrying?’”

Colton Morrow, West Coast Relay Manager for Carry The Load
Since its inception, Carry The Load has grown significantly. The national relays started in 2012, initially spanning from West Point, New York, to Dallas, Texas. The movement expanded further in 2017 with the addition of the West Coast relay, and now there are five routes: the East Coast, New England, the Midwest, the Mountain States, and the West Coast.

“The next year, the national relays started in 2012 and went from West Point, New York, to Dallas, Texas. Then, in 2017, we started the West Coast, and now we have five total: the East Coast, New England, the Midwest, the Mountain States, and the West Coast.”

Colton Morrow, West Coast Relay Manager for Carry The Load

For many participants, including Colton Morrow, Carry The Load is a deeply personal mission. Morrow shared his own story and who he carries.

“I carry my partner who died in the ambulance back in 2021. It’s still hard. It’s still kind of fresh. Eric Hill was a great friend of mine. A best friend. He was my dad’s partner in the ambulance, and then he was my partner in the ambulance. Just an awesome guy. He helped me fix everything that I needed. We were always hanging out. So, I carry Eric Hill with me.”

Colton Morrow, West Coast Relay Manager for Carry The Load

Carry The Load not only honors fallen heroes but also brings communities together in support of their legacies. The organization’s efforts remind Americans of the profound sacrifices made for their freedom and safety.

If you’d like to follow the rest of their journey or learn more about how to volunteer, participate, and donate, click here.

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