The city of La Vergne will welcome the national CARRY THE LOAD Relay this coming Friday (5/17/13). This is an initiative to unite Americans in a walk to honor those who have fallen in service to our country—veterans, service men and women, first responders, citizens and volunteers—to “carry the load” for those who have and those who can no longer.
The city of La Vergne, TN welcomes the relay team on Leg 231 in an extended overnight stop on Friday, May 17, 2013. They will travel along Murfreesboro Road through to La Vergne between 8-10AM Friday morning.
Since departing West Point, New York, CARRY THE LOAD has been embraced by a supportive public raising nearly $335,000 to date and welcoming more than 800 road warriors along the way. The third NYC leg dispatched from the Horse Soldiers Memorial (located at Ground Zero) with Fire Commissioner Salvatore Cassano, along with members of the NYC Fire Department and 9/11 family members, leading the way with mutually shared excitement to “regain” the meaning of Memorial Day.
“The message and mission of ‘Carry the Load’ really hits home to me. My 86 year-old Daddy served in the South Pacific as a young Sailor during World War II, and my 26 year-old son is a young U.S. Army Reserve Soldier on active duty in Afghanistan. These Veterans are walking from West Point, NY, to Dallas, TX, to remind us of the real meaning of Memorial Day,” said Police Chief, Mike Walker. “I encourage all of LaVergne’s Veterans, as well as any Veteran to come out and participate in this awesome event. All citizens who are not veterans should come to show their support to those who have served, and those who are serving now. Be sure to wear your patriotic colors, and bring your U.S. Flag with you! Let’s show the ‘Carry the Load Relay Team’ support like they have never seen before!”
Citizens are encouraged to welcome the walkers by showing their patriotism – wearing red, white and blue and carrying U.S. flags. Parking will be available at businesses located along Murfreesboro Road and City Hall. Additionally, residents can walk with the CARRY THE LOAD team by meeting on Lillian Buchanan Drive next to the U.S. Post Office anytime after 5:30 p.m. From there, city officials, fire fighters, police, representatives of Rolling Thunder, and others will converge with the walkers passing through at approximately 6:00 p.m.
“It was such a huge honor last year to welcome Carry the Load as they passed through La Vergne. We are absolutely elated that the city has been chosen again this year to host this courageous group of military personnel,” said Mayor, Senna Mosley. “Not only did they serve our country with dignity and care, but they continue to give back to the families of soldiers who were lost while fulfilling their duty to our great nation. I am humbled to walk with them as they come through La Vergne.”
Individuals, businesses and organizations may sponsor segment(s) of the relay in an effort to help families of fallen heroes. All funds raised will be donated to CARRY THE LOAD’s beneficiaries--Heroes On The Water, Snowball Express, Sons Of The Flag Burn Foundation, T.A.P.S. and Team Red, White & Blue, and Tip Of The Spear--organizations focused on supporting military families. To register as a Load Carrier /or/ demonstrate your support by sponsoring a portion of the Relay /or/ to donate directly to the campaign, please visit www.CarryTheLoad.org.
