by Ezabelle Janssen, Staff Writer
PASS CHRISTIAN (GG) — If you happened to drive down Highway 90 or got groceries at the Pass Christian Walmart on Thursday, May 21st, you may have seen an interesting sight. Around 5:30 p.m., veterans and community members gathered with Carry The Load for a three-mile walk, paying tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for our country.
Stepping and smiling, they ventured toward the Pass Christian Yacht Club, holding American Flags, including a large banner carried by local students. At the same time, the Pass Christian Police Department lit the way and secured safe marching.
The event was curated by Carry the Load and the Gulf Coast Veterans Association, with the help of the entire Pass Christian community. The organizations have been affiliated for two years now.
Carry The Load is a non-profit organization whose primary goal is to raise awareness about the true meaning of Memorial Day. It offers community events throughout the year that unite people and honor soldiers.
Memorial Day is especially significant; from April 28th to May 26th, the organization unites thousands in a nationwide campaign initiating hundreds of local events nationwide to provide Americans with active, meaningful opportunities to honor and remember our fallen heroes.
The Gulf Coast Veterans Association unites to honor the courageous individuals who have served, are serving, and those inspired to respond to the call of duty. As a nonprofit organization, their mission is to celebrate the dedication and sacrifices of our armed forces, nurturing a supportive and grateful community that spans generations.
A perfect match; together, they salute, support, and serve those who have served us all. Once done walking, the sweaty participants had the chance to sit down and cool off at the Pass Christian Yacht Club, where the Forty-First Army Band serenaded them.
Moises Espinal, President of the Gulf Coast Veterans organization, expressed: “Events like these are important for numerous reasons, but none better than honoring those lost and those who serve and protect… There is a major disconnect between the American populous and those fighting our enemies… There are boys and girls dying in small villages that you will never even hear about. As you enjoy this weekend, keep those who serve and protect in your thoughts and prayers.”
Only those who experience such understand, even then, each soldier’s experience is different. The best way to honor our soldiers is to respect and remember them. Carry the Load has been on the road for three weeks, starting their journey in New York, and was amazed by the small town of Pass Christian.
Almost 150 people partook in the walk, which was amazing in itself. Typically, a small town has only 50 to 75 participants, unlike the 1,000 in New York. What truly stunned all was not only the group of those who participated in the walk, but also the community, which lined the streets to cheer them on.
Pass Christian truly is a special place and a great community.
(Photos taken by Ezabelle Janssen/The Gazebo Gazette)
