The nationwide organization Carry The Load made its way through Erie on Friday. 

The goal: 20,000 miles over 28 days.

Erie is part of the New England Relay, and the journey will continue all the way to Dallas, Texas.

Carry The Load is a non-profit organization where members travel one of five routes throughout the country during the month of May. 

The journey honors fallen first responders and military members.

The local walk got underway at 7:30 a.m. Friday morning at the Flo Fabrizio Ice Rink on West 38th Street. 

Walkers then made their way to Barnes and Noble on Peach Street. It took the 35 walkers 51 minutes to cover the 2.4-mile distance.

Kevin Middleton is driving the Carry The Load bus to Dallas, Texas. It's his first journey with the non-profit.

Additionally, Intern Red Rudd will document the journey. He didn't need a push to tackle this assignment.

The West Ridge Fire Department unveiled a massive U.S. flag for their arrival.

The organization wants to remind everyone of the true meaning of Memorial Day: those who lost their lives for our country.

If you are interested in making a donation, visit here.