Carry the Load relay honors fallen military and first responders along the coast

GOLETA, Calif.- People from Santa Barbara and Oxnard joined the Carry the Load relay from Goleta to Santa Barbara City College on Monday.

The relay stopped at Ventura County Fire Station 25 before resting for the night, and then the relays will head to Los Angeles and San Diego.

The goal is to remind people about the meaning of Memorial Day.

Relay coordinator David Lindsey likes to tell the story of how it all began when Clint Bruce, who lost buddies on a deployment, took a walk around a lake in Dallas with a heavy backpack.

"Somewhere along that walk he sees an old veteran a World War II veteran and they make a connection that they are both soldiers, and the World War II veteran looks at Clint and he says 'hey soldier who are you carrying' and that is where this whole movement was born – out of that one conversation, " said Lindsey.

Carry the Load Executive director Debbie Wright said they have enjoyed the reactions from people along the coast.

"You know, you get all sorts of reactions, you get a lot of positive horn honking, and seeing the American flag. We are all Americans, we are all here to unite behind those who protect us, keep us free every day."

Some participants brought their dogs along for the relay.

It was virtual due to COVID-19 before returning at the same time last year.

There are 5 relay routes in 48 states, with people going 20,000 miles before they meet in Dallas this Memorial Day.

People interested in joining the relay for a few miles are welcome to do so.

For more information visit http://carrytheload.org.