TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – On this anniversary, veterans from Power Home Remodeling in Tampa held a rack march to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Some people stroll around for the long weekend and grill out by the pool with their families. But this group of veterans, civilians and their families march four miles to honor the brave men and women who sacrificed everything for our nation.
In stages, dozens of veterans and their families showed support for the fallen servicemen and women.
“I think people are confusing anniversary at the beginning of the summer, or barbecue or poolside days. In fact, it’s about remembering people who weren’t here because today was the ultimate sacrifice,” said veteran David Lopez, who helped out with the event. “It couldn’t be here to be able to come here with friends and colleagues and see others celebrate the day in the right way. It means the world for all of us.”
For many veterans, this holiday is a day to reflect on the sacrifices of military brothers and sisters.
“I grew up, before I served, it was a day for a barbecue and a day for going to the shore. I originally came from Jersey, I’m with my family and I have a lot of fun,” said Air Force veteran John Oppi. “But after I served it has changed more days to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice at the boundaries of duty.”
Power Home Remodeling has turned this rack march on for the past few years. They rack. There, as it is a military tradition, you walk with a pack that is weighted on your back.
“In the military, we use it to prepare for training, but today we use it to represent the weight and pack we carry for individuals who couldn’t be here today,” Lopez said.
“When you’re there, again, it’s difficult, uncomfortable, hot, sweaty, and the weight is pretty much on your shoulders, but there’s nothing compared to what those men and women have experienced or what their families have experienced,” Oppichi said.
These veterans said their walks were not intended to be gloomy, but rather a day to celebrate memories of those who lay their lives off.
“It means a lot now because I know people who served and lost their lives. That’s very different from when I grew up,” Oppisi said.
The Rack march was followed by a ceremony where the flags were folded.
Tampa is not the only place where power holds the rack march. There are 23 total marches in cities across the country.
