"Carry the Load" to pass through LaVergne with a warm welcoming

May 06, 2015 at 12:13 pm by bryan


The patriotic spirit of La Vergne will be on display on Friday, May 15 as the city welcomes "Carry the Load" as they pass through on their annual 1,700 mile trek from New York to Dallas.

The trek will pass through the city starting around 4:00 p.m. One lane of Murfreesboro Road will be closed when they reach La Vergne, so traffic going north/west toward Nashville will be impacted.

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Carry the Load was founded by former Navy Seals to restore the true meaning of Memorial Day. The organization brings awareness about the sacrifices of military, law enforcement, firefighters and rescue personnel.

Police Chief Mike Walker is encouraging local veterans, surviving families, and other residents to participate. "It doesn't cost anything to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives, and those who bravely served to preserve our freedom, our safety, and our liberties. This is the fourth year they have chosen to pass through La Vergne, largely because of the warm reception they get from our patriotic citizens."

City officials, fire fighters, and police will join the Carry the Load walkers as they pass through the city. In addition local veterans, surviving families, and other residents are invited to participate. You may opt to walk with the team from the La Vergne/Smyrna city limit on Murfreesboro Road or from Lillian Buchanan Drive next to the U.S. Post Office, ending at City Hall. Citizens not walking are encouraged to wear patriotic colors and carry U.S. flags to welcome the walkers along Murfreesboro Road.

"This is the fourth year our city has been chosen and we are glad to welcome them," said Mayor Dennis Waldron. "We want to thank everyone who has served their community and their country."

Individuals, businesses or organizations may sponsor segment(s) of the relay in an effort to help families of fallen heroes. All funds raised will be donated to the primary beneficiaries of Carry the Load: Snowball Express and the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, two organizations hyper-focused on supporting surviving families.

Along the 27-day relay, Carry the Load is collecting stories of American soldiers, police officers, fire fighters, first responders and other service men and women who have carried the burden and lost their lives in the line of duty. To submit a story or to learn how to sponsor a leg of the journey, visit the Carry the Load website at www.CarryTheLoad.org

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