Events

Featured Events

Memorial May

Honor the sacrifices of our nation’s heroes through community events held nationwide throughout May

9/11 National Day of Service & Remembrance

Remember and honor the heroes and victims of September 11th.

Veterans Day

Celebrate and thank those who have bravely served our nation.

Upcoming Events

Apr 27

5:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Memorial May – Congers, NY

Apr 28

9:00 am - 11:45 am

Memorial May – New York City, NY

Apr 28

1:30 pm - 4:00 pm

Memorial May – Staten Island, NY

Apr 29

2:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Memorial May – Wilmington, DE

Apr 30

9:00 am - 12:15 pm

Memorial May – Washington DC

View Calendar

See all events →
Engage With Us

Get Involved

Find an Event
Make a Donation
Founders Brigade

Support

Shop
Newsroom
Podcast

Honor a Hero

Share the story of a fallen hero or service member who has made an impact on your life.

Submit a Tribute

View Tribute Wall
About Us

About Us

Who We Are
Our Mission
Contact Us
Scholarship

Team

Our Team
Partners
Ambassadors
Founder’s Brigade

From the Newsroom

North Texas Mom and Army Veteran Surprised with Free HVAC System

Latest Story

CTL Opens Registration for Veterans Day 100K Meter Challenge

Recent Story

View All News
Shop
Login

Featured, In the News

Carry the Load’s Memorial May Relay honors fallen Capital Region heroes

May 7, 2025

News 10

The veteran group Carry the Load marches in honor of fallen service members, highlighting the true meaning of Memorial Day. This year’s extended route honored the New York National Guard Members who died when their helicopter crashed in March 2024 on the Texas/Mexico border.

“It’s a different feel this year. The support like my daughter was talking about, it was wonderful,” said Judith Grassia, John Michael Grassia III’s mother.

The special day began at Riverfront Park in the City of Rensselaer. Carry the Load’s Memorial May relay and the marchers wound their way through the city on a six-mile route accompanied by their newly decked-out bus with the images of John Michael Grassia III and Casey Frankoski adorning the side. “When they told us they were going to do the national campaign with our children. Just tears. Just tears, very emotional,” said Judith.

The first stop on the new route was at the Jr./Sr. High School. “The kids, the way they came out. It’s just amazing to see the young kids come out because this is what we’re trying to teach them. You know, Casey and John gave their life for this country. Casey, in her yearbook said that your dreams are on the other side of fear. So, follow your dreams and don’t let fear get in the way,” said Jim Frankoski, Casey Frankoski’s Father.

The next stop was the bridge named in Casey’s honor with new signage. Then it was a loop through Casey’s neighborhood. And after swinging by the Frankoski home, the group marched back to Riverfront Park for a ceremony to honor the fallen heroes. “Being the parents of one of the city’s Hometown Heroes, we feel ourselves, Jacob Pratt, who many of you know was critically injured in the accident that took the lives of John and Casey. We recognize the importance of events like this that keep the memories of our fallen alive and also to keep those among us in our hearts and minds and providing support for them as well,” said Jacob Pratt’s Father, Kenny Pratt.

Casey’s mom, Jill Frankoski, said, “We did do the walk. It was very emotional, of course, at first. But just having the community, our friends, family, fire department, police department behind us, it really was an incredible day.” She went on to say, “We just want to thank everybody who participated in this today and made this event happen for our families. We really are blessed to have such a wonderful community and support system.”

Carry the Load said they will be back. “I mean, you look at the community, look at the people that are here. I mean I just got a chance to meet all these, look at the people. Their shirts, their bibs. That’s what community is all about, and if you can’t hang your hat on that I think you need to re-evaluate where you’re at in life,” said David Lindsey, member of Carry the Load’s Nationwide Events Team.

This year, the families were asked to be part of one of the area’s biggest Memorial Day events. “John and Casey are the Grand Marshals of the Albany parade, and we’ll be there in their honor,” said Jim Frankoski.

Support Our Mission

Help us honor and remember the sacrifices made by our military, first responders, and their families.

Featured Events

Memorial May

9/11 National Day of Service & Remembrance

Veterans Day

Upcoming Events

Memorial May – Congers, NY

Memorial May – New York City, NY

Memorial May – Staten Island, NY

Memorial May – Wilmington, DE

Memorial May – Washington DC

One-Time Donation

Monthly Partnership

Carry the Load’s Memorial May Relay honors fallen Capital Region heroes

News 10

Recent Articles

North Texas mom and Army veteran surprised with free HVAC system

Carry The Load Opens Registration for Veterans Day 100,000 Meter Challenge Presented by Government Employees Health Association (G.E.H.A)

National Day of Service

Volunteers clean up Louisiana National Cemetery in Zachary as part of Patriot Day event

Support Our Mission

Featured Events

Upcoming Events

Get Involved

Support

Honor a Hero

About Us

Team

From the Newsroom

One-Time Donation

Monthly Partnership

Carry the Load’s Memorial May Relay honors fallen Capital Region heroes

Recent Articles

Support Our Mission