'Carry The Load' Coming To Yardley Saturday

YARDLEY BOROUGH, PA — Mayor Caroline Thompson is carrying on the tradition: Welcoming "Carry The Load" to the borough once again.

There is a new change to the annual event this year: It takes place on a weekend for the first time.

The annual event takes place on Saturday with numerous festivities from 9 a.m. to Noon.

"For the first time ever, this event is moving from its traditional Wednesday to a Saturday — opening the door for greater participation from working residents, families, and kids," Thompson told Patch on Friday.

The mayor said that when the national Carry The Load organization reached out to her in February to begin planning for this year, "they shared an exciting shift in format that we’re thrilled to bring to Yardley."

The annual event was created to restore the meaning of Memorial Day, and to provide opportunities for Americans to connect with the sacrifices of our military, law enforcement, firefighters, and rescue personnel.

Thompson said the event is changing too.

She said that Carry The Load is moving away from a coast-to-coast walk model and toward more intentional time spent in each community — creating space for connection, reflection, and conversations about the true meaning of Memorial Day.

The borough plans a rally starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday at the Yardley Boro Veterans Monument memorial at 1 North Delaware Ave.

"I’m especially honored that this year’s keynote speaker will be Army veteran and Yardley Borough Police Chief William J. Golden III," Thompson said. "I’ve had the opportunity to preview his remarks, and I can say without hesitation — you won’t want to miss it."

Also new this year is a community celebration will bring everyone together after the walk with something for all ages —freshly made breakfast sandwiches, burgers and hot dogs from our local Legion Post, a ‘touch-a-truck’ experience featuring fire apparatus, police vehicles, a HUMVEE, MRAP, and ambulance, participation from all branches of the Armed Forces, plus a bounce house, giant inflatable slide, and more.

"It’s a day to come together—not just to remember, but to connect as a community," Thompson said.

Founded by Veteran U.S. Navy SEALs, Clint Bruce and Stephen Holley, Carry The Load started as a mission to restore the true meaning of Memorial Day.

Today, it has grown to include more than just the nation's military heroes and more than just one holiday. Carry The Load works to bring all Americans together to participate in honoring the nation’s heroes every day.

For more information about Carry the Load, visit carrytheload.org.