Every year in May, we pause to take time with our families and reflect upon those who have given their lives to defend the United States of America. Memorial Day is a holiday that puts things into perspective for us as a nation to remember that our freedoms require sacrifice. Carry the Load is a nationwide initiative that begins in April to bring awareness to those who have sacrificed their lives and well-being to defend our nation. Check out the nationwide schedule and how the Carry the Load national relay continues to bring awareness to the Veteran community.
Carry The Load 2024 Is More Than Just Memorial May
Since 2011, Carry The Load has been an initiative helping highlight the efforts of Veterans, first responders, those within the military, and their families, and what they do to help keep our nation safe.
The grassroots efforts from two Veteran Navy SEALs to keep the meaning of Memorial Day alive is now an effort seen around the nation to promote the same values, along with giving back to respective communities throughout the U.S.
Carry The Load is going to host relays throughout the month of May across various routes in the U.S. The 2024 rendition is also going to produce events throughout the year for even more ways to get involved.
Every year, dozens of states participate with nearly 100 events and over 20,000 miles covered by those taking part in the march. Memorial May alone will feature over 75,000 people attending.
The Carry The Load relay is an annual collaboration featuring the VA’s National Cemetery Administration and the nonprofit.
Participants will find 38 national military cemeteries hosting five routes that cover 48 states.
On Memorial Day, Carry The Load Dallas welcomes everyone to meet up for the grand finale to honor the memory of those who gave their lives to keep our nation free.
Events and Dates
While the Carry The Load Dallas Memorial March is where the big event will take place, make no mistake about it.
If you’re looking to get involved, chances are you can find a Carry The Load event near you.
While a time of remembrance, you can find community, philanthropy, and fun events all along the various routes available.
You can make plans as a way to show your patriotism or simply an event for you and your loved ones.
Best of all, in 2024, you’ll be able to participate in events for longer than just the month of May. Here’s how it works:
Community Events
There are 67 community events from April 29 through May 27 across the country. Many are held at, at least in part, national cemeteries to honor those lost. To find events closest to you, check out Carry The Load’s online calendar.
No matter where you participate, you’ll find Americans in your community committed to remembering those who have and continue to sacrifice for our country making any of this possible.
But even if you can’t make an event, you can still give back through the cause.
Carry The Load Dallas Memorial March
It’s the flagship event of the cause and this year it’s sure to be massive. The two-day relay march celebrates the lives of those we’ve lost while also educating the community about how to respectfully observe the holiday:
- The Dallas Memorial March gets started on Sunday, May 26, at 12:00 p.m., along with the Kid Zone.
- If you’re looking to get there for the opening ceremony, it takes place at 3:30 p.m., before the march itself starts an hour later.
- At 6:00 p.m., there is an overnight walk across the Katy Trail, and the Kid Zone closes an hour later.
- At 8:00 p.m., a short film is showing in the park.
- Finally, at 11:59 p.m., the SILENT Midnight Walk kicks off.
- On Monday, May 27, the second day gets starts at 8:00 a.m., with the Kid Zone opening an hour later.
- A storyboard procession will take place at Katy Trail Ice House at 11:15 a.m., with the closing ceremony taking place at 11:30 a.m.
- Everything is over by 1:00 p.m.
Don’t forget that camping and tailgating is also available for those who sign up.
Patriot Day
On September 11, 2024, Carry The Load is volunteering across the country to clean the headstones of VA National Cemeteries while remembering our nation’s military, first responders, Veterans, and their families.
Heroes’ Salute & Serve
It’s no secret that pickleball has taken the nation by storm. Now, Carry The Load is hosting its first-ever tournament on September 28, 2024, at the Brookhaven Country Club in Farmers Branch, TX.
This annual event begins at 10:00 a.m. and honors the military community while having tons of fun doing so!
100KMC
Up for a challenge that honors the military community? You’re going to love what Carry The Load has planned for Veterans Day.
From November 11 through December 11, participants sign up online to travel over 100,000 meters, just over 62 miles, within the time frame.
There are several different types of activities available, so there’s something for everyone.
Sporting Clays
Every year at Elm Fork Shooting Sports, the organization gathers to raise awareness about Carry The Load. They also fundraise in the process.
Head over to the Dallas, Texas, shooting range on November 15 for an event unlike any other.
Is Carry The Load a Good Charity?
Yes, you won’t find a better charity than Carry The Load. According to Charity Navigator, the non-profit has a coveted 100%, 4-star rating, indicating that when you donate, your money is going towards the cause and making a difference.
To get involved, you can register with Carry The Load. A donation isn’t necessary. However, if you do wish to give a monetary donation, one-time and monthly donations are available for contributions.
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