A small group of relay participants was walking with a purpose when it passed through Aspen on Tuesday evening for their 3,900-mile journey through the Great Plains and Mountain West.

Its goal: “To restore the true meaning of Memorial Day,” which is part of the mission of the annual Carry the Load national relay that includes five bus- and human-powered routes throughout the United States.

“Memorial Day was, is and will always be about the fallen heroes,” said event organizer (and former Aspenite) Dill Driscoll, who helped create the national relay. “They gave the ultimate sacrifice to their country, for their town.”