In a powerful display of unity and remembrance, more than 20,000 people marched through Dallas this weekend as part of the Carry The Load Memorial Day event, one of the largest remembrance gatherings in the country. Spanning over 20 hours and culminating in a silent midnight walk and a closing ceremony at 11:30 a.m. on Memorial Day, the march offered a deeply emotional tribute to fallen U.S. military members and first responders.
Organized by the Carry The Load Foundation, the event brought together veterans, families, and supporters from across the nation to share stories and walk in memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Unlike traditional parades, Carry The Load offers a space for connection, healing, and collective gratitude.
Among the marchers were Terry and Elisabeth Burgess, honoring their son Bryan Burgess, who was killed in Afghanistan just two weeks before returning home. "Everybody here has a story," said Terry. "You see people carrying banners, kissing names it’s a connection that stays with you forever."
Elisabeth echoed the sentiment, describing the event as a lifeline. “It’s easy to feel alone in your grief. But when you're here, you realize there are so many others who help carry your pain with you.” The emotion at the event was palpable, with participants walking silently or speaking with others who’ve experienced similar loss. For many, it was a reminder that their grief is shared and that their loved ones are not forgotten.
Army veteran Glen Dare, who has participated in every Carry The Load march since 2012, walked in full military uniform despite the Texas heat. “This is the uniform my friends died in,” he said. “I wear it so I can tell their stories. That’s how you keep their spirit alive.” On his backpack were the names of fellow soldiers who never made it home. Dare's 14-year-old daughter, who has attended the event since she was a baby, shared how proud she is of her father and his mission. “He’s keeping their memory alive, and I’ve grown up understanding why that matters.” Dare added, “Tomorrow, just take a second raise your glass or pause in silence and remember the people who gave everything for us.”
The Memorial Day observance wraps up with a silent walk at midnight and a closing ceremony at 11:30 a.m., but the emotions carried by those who participated will linger long after the last step. Events like these remind Americans of the true meaning of Memorial Day not just a holiday, but a time to honor, reflect, and remember. Carry The Load continues to grow each year, offering a platform for remembrance and storytelling that ensures fallen heroes are never forgotten. In a world filled with distractions, this march brings Americans back to what matters: sacrifice, unity, and memory.
