TEXARKANA -- A relay that started April 27 and will span 20,000 miles through 48 states is expected to arrive in Texarkana early May 25.
Carry the Load is destined for Dallas for the Dallas Memorial March on Memorial Day weekend. The national relay, which comprises five routes across the country, is part of an effort to highlight the sacrifices of military members and veterans, first responders and their families.
"We have seen firsthand the powerful impact Carry The Load has had on service members and families of those who have lost loved ones," said Navy SEAL veteran Stephen Holley, co-founder, president and CEO of Carry the Load. "Our volunteers tell us that participating in Carry The Load has given them a deeper connection to those who serve and a greater appreciation for the sacrifices made for our freedom."
An overarching aims of the relay is to raise money for veterans.
"Our goal this Memorial May is to raise $2.25 million through peer-to-peer fundraising," Holley said.
The relay passing through the area is part of the New England Route, which started May 3 at Waterfront Park in Burlington, Vermont.
Eight rally locations are planned in Hempstead, Miller and Bowie counties:
Hope Fire Department -- 8 a.m., 2.27-mile walk
Walmart Supercenter, Hope -- 9 a.m., bus departs for Texarkana (closed to public)
U.S. Highway and Arkansas Highway 108, Texarkana -- 10:30 a.m. 4.87-mile walk
Miller County Department of Human Services -- 12:30 p.m., 3.21-mile walk
Beech Street First Baptist Church -- 2 p.m., 3.1-mile walk
TAC -- 5 p.m., 5.92-mile walk
OT's Landing -- 7 p.m., 5.11-mile walk
First Baptist Church, Redwater -- 9:30 p.m., bus departs for Omaha, Texas (closed to public)
People can join the race at any of the rally locations open to the public. Registration is complimentary at carrytheload.org/Memorial-May.