May 27, 2024

“Remember them” Nonprofit Carry The Load encourages reflection on Memorial Day

4WWL-TV

NEW ORLEANS — For some, Memorial Day means a three-day weekend, but often the reason behind the national holiday gets lost during those backyard barbeques. One organization walks hundreds of miles across the country in the days leading up to Memorial Day to remind people about the why.

The nonprofit, Carry The Load wrapped up this year’s walking campaign in Dallas. They made a few stops in the greater New Orleans area first. They started in 2011 after two veterans wanted to remind everyone about those who paid the ultimate sacrifice and for the locals who participated in this year’s walk, every step was personal.

“He was always my hero,” said Shentell Parker, a veteran having served in the Air Force. Parker said she would not be where she is today without her uncle who also served in the military. “He was the reason I went into the military. We have to support them. Whether you are a wife, a friend, a brother, or a colleague, we have to help them carry that load.”

Carry The Load not only honors military service men and women who have served but also first responders who have lost their lives in the line of duty. As a first responder and Marine Corps Veteran, Judd Word with the Carry The Load East Coast team said the cross-country 20-thousand-mile journey is personal for him too.

“I’ve lost many of my friends. Having done two combat tours in Iraq and coming back and seeing veterans with unresolved issues like PTSD.”

Many of his friends were in his heart while he walked including one of his battle buddies.

“We were involved in an ambush on June 20, 2004,” said Word. “He sustained some wounds came back with PTSD and unfortunately took his own life on May 27, 2008. To know that I can come out here every year and tell his story, that gives me joy, but it hopefully reminds his family that we are still out here we are still talking about Chris, and we are still talking about all the other ones.”

Talking about those who have lost their lives and honoring them is what Memorial Day is all about. He encourages everyone to take some time today and reflect on that sacrifice.

“We were just in a war for 20 years. You know WWII, Vietnam, Korea, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Everyone knows somebody who either served or lost their lives. Remember them.”

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“Remember them” Nonprofit Carry The Load encourages reflection on Memorial Day

4WWL-TV

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