STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK
Help Carry the Load to recognize the ultimate sacrifices made by military this Memorial Day.
Higher Ground Sun Valley will again stage its annual Sun Valley Rally honoring the sacrifices of those in the military on Monday, May 28, at Ketchum Town Square.
The rally starts at 9 a.m. with the Murph Challenge coordinated by Boulder Mountain CrossFit.
A free Half-Murph challenge will begin at 10:30 p.m. A welcome message will be held at 10:30 a.m., followed by the Honor March. And a Mini-Murph for kids and a Quarter-Murph Challenge will begin at 11 a.m.
Carry the Load is a Dallas-based event that was started by two Navy SEALS as they realized kids didn’t know the true meaning of Memorial Day, said Erin Rheinschild, director of philanthropy for Higher Ground. The event started out with one of the SEALS strapping on a pack and walking, all the while thinking about guys who had made the ultimate sacrifice for the country
“It’s part of teaching our youth what Memorial Day is all about,” said Rheinschild. “Memorial Day has lost its meaning, becoming a day for barbecues. So we partnered with Carry the Load, which is a nationwide nonprofit. They don’t really raise money. But they have gifted us with more than $6,000 for our therapeutic military programs.”
The rally at the Town Square will pause for the Ketchum Cemetery Memorial Day ceremony at 11 a.m. with its Warbird glyover.
Then celebrants will head back at Town Square for a Moment of Remembrance at 1 p.m.
Town Square will be a hubbub of active with music by Michaela French and the Pre-Existing Conditions, a chance to check out the Honor War where people can make a donation to place a dog tag to honor loved ones, lunch activities and an open mic for those who would like to comment on “Who are you carrying?”
There will also be fun activities for children.
To register as a participant in Carry the Load, go to www.carrytheload.org.