DEBARY, Fla. – About 50 people walked 1.5 miles through Gemini Springs Park on Memorial Day to honor U.S. service members who died in the line of duty.
The group included members of the Power Veterans Affinity Group, veterans and community volunteers. Several participants carried rucks — weighted backpacks commonly used in military training — as a symbol of the cost of freedom.
“A lot of people kind of forget what Memorial Day is about. It’s just kind of getting back to remembrance,” said Army veteran Ethan Messinger.
Navy veteran Lee Palmer said the discomfort of a ruck is part of the point. “The weight gets heavy and the walk gets long, but today that weight is symbolic. It reminds us that freedom always comes at a cost,” Palmer said.
Participants carried American flags. Families joined in, including children walking with parents, and some attendees brought dogs on leashes. Marine Corps veteran Randy Russell said Memorial Day is often misunderstood as a day to just celebrate. “It’s truly a day of remembrance,” he said.
Organizers said the walk was the event’s second year and they plan to hold one again next Memorial Day.