Memorial Day 2024: A Nationwide Tribute to the Sacrifices of Our Fallen Heroes
Memorial Day stands as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by men and women who lost their lives in service to their nation. This year, in a bid to ensure the legacy of these fallen heroes is never forgotten, the National Cemetery Administration (NCA) is teaming up with Carry The Load for a national memorial relay event covering over 20,000 miles and spanning 48 states. The event, known as the Memorial May 2024 National Relay, aims to honor veterans laid to rest in VA National Cemeteries.
Partnering for a Shared Purpose
Carry The Load, an organization committed to commemorating fallen servicemembers, will lead five distinct routes through the continental United States. In each city and community along the route, marchers will proudly carry banners, signs, and flags commemorating specific fallen servicemembers, veterans, and first responders. The event promises to unite thousands in a show of unwavering respect and solidarity.
A Call for Vigilance
While the initiative is noble, it’s crucial to stay vigilant regarding the adequacy and consistency of efforts in paying due respect to veterans. Concerns have been raised about whether past memorial projects have maintained long-term commitments and if every veteran receives the dignified remembrance they deserve. As supporters prepare to participate in the relay, many will be closely watching how effectively the National Cemetery Administration and its partners will uphold their promise of lasting tributes.
A Detailed Relay Plan Across Five Routes
The National Relay will traverse five distinct routes, each meticulously planned to cover specific regions:
| Route | Date | Location | Time |
| West Coast | May 2, 2024 | Kent, WA | 6:30 – 7:00 p.m. PT |
| May 3, 2024 | Happy Valley, OR | 11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. PT | |
| May 6, 2024 | Sausalito, CA | 6:30 – 8:00 a.m. PT | |
| May 10, 2024 | Los Angeles, CA | 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. PT | |
| May 11, 2024 | San Diego, CA | 6:45 – 7:45 a.m. PT | |
| May 12, 2024 | Riverside, CA | 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. PT | |
| May 14, 2024 | Prescott, AZ | 8:15 – 9:30 a.m. MT | |
| May 16, 2024 | El Paso, TX | 3:45 – 5:00 p.m. MT | |
| New England | May 13, 2024 | Knoxville, TN | 11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ET |
| May 16, 2024 | Marietta, GA | 9:15 – 10:00 a.m. ET | |
| May 21, 2024 | Little Rock, AR | 11:15 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. CT | |
| Mountain | May 16, 2024 | Sturgis, SD | 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. MT |
| May 17, 2024 | Laurel, MT | 12:15 – 2:30 p.m. MT | |
| May 22, 2024 | Denver, CO | 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. MT | |
| May 23, 2024 | Colorado Springs, CO | 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. MT | |
| Midwest | May 8, 2024 | Milwaukee, WI | 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. CT |
| May 16, 2024 | Dayton, OH | 9:45 – 11:00 a.m. ET | |
| May 17, 2024 | Louisville, KY | 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. ET | |
| May 19, 2024 | St. Louis, MO | 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. CT | |
| May 21, 2024 | Omaha, NE | 2:15 – 3:00 p.m. CT | |
| May 22, 2024 | Leavenworth, KS | 7:45 – 9:30 a.m. CT | |
| East Coast | May 4, 2024 | Catonsville, MD | 7:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ET |
| May 4, 2024 | Annapolis, MD | 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. ET | |
| May 5, 2024 | Alexandria, VA | 1:45 – 2:45 p.m. ET | |
| May 6, 2024 | Culpeper, VA | 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. ET | |
| May 9, 2024 | Raleigh, NC | 9:15 – 10:00 a.m. ET | |
| May 16, 2024 | Sarasota, FL | 8:15 – 10:30 a.m. ET | |
| May 17, 2024 | St. Petersburg, FL | 12:15 – 1:00 p.m. ET | |
| May 18, 2024 | Bushnell, FL | 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. ET | |
| May 21, 2024 | Pensacola, FL | 3:45 – 6:00 p.m. ET | |
| May 22, 2024 | Biloxi, MS | 8:15 – 9:15 a.m. CT | |
| May 23, 2024 | Baton Rouge, LA | 4:15 – 5:00 p.m. ET | |
| May 25, 2024 | Houston, TX | 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. CT |
Honoring the Legacy
The VA encourages Americans to leave tributes for fallen service members via its Veterans Legacy Memorial (VLM), an online database featuring personal memorial pages for each veteran. VLM aims to facilitate a virtual space where family, friends, and the public can honor veterans’ memories. This project provides an opportunity to bridge physical distances and share reflections, memories, and tributes on a broader scale.
FAQs:
What is Memorial Day?
Memorial Day is a national holiday in the United States observed annually on the last Monday in May. It is a day dedicated to honoring and remembering the servicemembers who have died while serving in the U.S. military. Initially known as Decoration Day, it originated after the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Traditions include visiting cemeteries, placing flags on graves, and participating in parades.
How can individuals participate in the event?
Participants can register online via the National Cemetery Administration’s website or the Carry The Load website. Registration is required, but no donation is necessary.
How many national cemeteries will the relay visit?
The relay is scheduled to visit 34 national cemeteries across five separate routes in the continental United States.
What is the purpose of the Veterans Legacy Memorial (VLM)?
VLM is a digital platform designed to memorialize veterans’ legacies through personal pages where loved ones and the public can leave tributes, reflections, and memories.
How can I contribute to the Veterans Legacy Memorial?
Anyone can visit the Veterans Legacy Memorial website to search for a loved one’s memorial page and leave a tribute, photo, or message. The platform is open year-round for anyone wishing to honor a veteran’s legacy.
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