On Saturday, 45 participants walked 26.2 miles around Martha’s Vineyard, many carrying a 30-pound rucksack intended to symbolize the weight accompanying veterans returning to civilian life.
Scheduled each year on Memorial Day weekend, this event drew participants from as far away as Texas, Virginia, New York, and Iowa to raise funds and awareness for local veteran’s organizations on Martha’s Vineyard.
The marchers ranged in age from 14 to mid-60s, and included active and retired military, U.S. Naval Sea Cadets, law enforcement, first responders, students, civilians, and a documentary film crew.
Many marchers participated in an effort to raise awareness about the struggles veterans face upon their return home.
