Written by “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother.” – The Hollies
I carried a 60-pound load on Veteran’s Day, doing 5 laps around the State Capital (5.5 miles). Some have asked, “Why?” Carrying a heavy military rucksack was not solely rooted in the challenge of doing so, but more a symbolic action and metaphor to highlight many veterans today are shouldering a lot of weight (emotions like fear, anger, disillusionment, depression) just trying to live their lives post service, and for far too many, it becomes too much to bear.
I want to express my sincere gratitude to Sensei Oliver for his setting a high bar for his students including taking goodness out of the dojo and into our community, Dirk-san for being a great black belt candidate training partner and friend, and Meg & Jake-san (Dojo mom and student) for being there with me during my walk from beginning to the end. Meg really lifted my spirits the last few laps and helped me to keep putting one boot in front of the other. In those waning moments of my walk, it reinforced to me the importance of community and our need to support one another; that we are better when we do so. And lastly, thank you to all others that were unable to attend but were with me in spirit.
THANK YOU!!
David-san