VFW Post 8801, Carry the Load share Memorial Day mission in Smyrna

SMYRNA — A Carry the Load crew of nine traversed through Kent County Friday with residents joining them on the journey, preserving the memories of military veterans and first responders who died in the line of duty.

The day began prior to 7 a.m. when the crew ate breakfast courtesy of VFW Post 8801 in Smyrna, joined by post members and elected officials, among others.

Some of the approximately 125 attendees at a ceremony walked with the crew as it departed for Citizens’ Hose Company in Smyrna. Stops in Cheswold, Dover and Hartly were planned for later in the day.

The visitors were one of five groups traveling the lower 48 states via bus and walking to honor veterans and first responders. The group who visited Kent County will conclude its sojourn May 25.

Carry the Load East Coast route manager Jason Santos said the visit through Delaware worked because “We’re all here for the same reason.

“We don’t want to forget those who have gone before us, those who have made sacrifices and that includes our military veterans, our first responders and their families. Because that’s what our organization does.

“We support organizations that involved that demographic.”

Mr. Santos said Carry the Load was founded with the idea of restoring “the true meaning of Memorial Day.

“It’s not a mattress day sale, it’s not a three-day weekend, it’s not a backyard barbecue. Those things are fine but that was never its intent.

“The intent should be to honor and remember.”

VFW Post 8801 commander Chuck Mankin and wife Arlene Mankin were instrumental in bringing the event to the Smyrna-Clayton area.

“They have taken over and gotten pretty much the whole community involved. They are just great people,” Mr. Santos said

Mr. Mankin described the Carry the Load visit as “awesome.”

“Their mission to put the memorial back into Memorial Day and as a veterans organization, especially a combat veterans organization, it’s great. That’s our mission too.

“We don’t want to forget our brothers and sisters, especially those who have passed.”