Veterans, first responders and civilians alike will gather in downtown Cape Girardeau to participate in a "Carry The Load" march to honor fallen servicemen on Monday, Memorial Day.

Marine Corps veteran Jacob Fish, who played a role in organizing the march, said the main purpose of the event is to raise awareness.

"It is absolutely not just for veterans," he said. "It's for police, fire, rescue personnel, [their] famil[ies] or a citizen who is like-minded and wants to honor the people who have put on a uniform and not made it home. It's about them."

More than 40 people have signed up so far to make the hike from Broadway and Main streets to the Osage Centre along Kingshighway for a remembrance ceremony, then on to Cape County Park North for a barbecue lunch sponsored by Smokin' Brothers Barbecue and Pepsi.

Some participants will carry symbolic -- albeit real -- burdens as a way to honor the fallen. Local recruiters will make the trek in full combat gear, while members of the Cape Girardeau Fire Department will carry hoses.

Registration is free, and participants are encouraged to tailor the intensity of their walk to their abilities, as the most important part is showing up to honor those who have died.

"I am very open to anything," Fish said. "We're starting at the river. If you want to run, walk, bike, hike, I don't care how you do it. ... Anyone who wants to spread that message is welcome."

Fellow organizer Rocky Everett said there's nothing wrong with enjoying a national holiday, so long as you remember and respect the meaning of the occasion, which is what Carry The Load seeks to do.

"It brings back the true meaning of Memorial Day, instead of just barbecuing," he said.

Everett, an Army veteran, served as a member of the 101st Airborne Division in Afghanistan, and on Monday, he'll carry the memories of a comrade who was killed in action during his deployment.

"I want to remember that, to carry that on," he said. "I want to remember that his sacrifice is not in vain. That's what Carry The Load is all about."

The event is being held in cooperation with the Carry The Load organization based in Texas, which organizes similar events around the country.

"It was a group of Navy SEALS who would go hiking and walking on Memorial Day, when someone, another veteran, asked them, 'Who're you carrying?'" Fish said.

He heard about it from a buddy in Texas and decided to ask the organization whether he could start one in Cape Girardeau, because the only other one in the area was in Tennessee.

"This is my first time ever doing something like this, but according to the organization, lots of their first-year events are around 10 people," Fish said. "So I guess we're doing pretty good. If we hit our goal of 100 people, I'll be thrilled."

Fish and Everett expect about 100 to turn out Monday. All are encouraged to attend and participate in the walk or the ceremonies. The walk begins at 9 a.m.

tgraef@semissourian.com

388-3627