The Ruck Up holds its 4th annual 'Memorial Day Hike' at Palo Duro to honor the fallen

Michael Cuviello, Amarillo Globe-News
·1 min read

At the break of dawn Sunday, veteran charity organization The Ruck UP met at the Canyon Walmart parking lot to gather about 50 hikers who wanted to be a part of its “Memorial Day Hike” to honor the fallen, which consisted of a 10-mile hike at Palo Duro Canyon.

The non-profit organization began four years ago, when four veterans went on a "Ruck" to Palo Duro Canyon to honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in the United States Armed Forces.

"Ruck" is a military term that can mean just walking around with a backpack on a hike or as difficult as moving fast with all your gear. For the purpose of this event, it means getting a group and gear from one place to another.

After Sunday morning's hike, the organization held a celebration at the Foxland Event Center in Canyon, featuring food, drinks and a silent auction. All proceeds raised during the event will go to the Brothers-Sisters of our Military Adventures and the Amarillo Chapter of Combat Vets Motorcycle Association.

Participants gather Sunday morning for The Ruck Up's "Memorial Day Hike" at Palo Duro Canyon.
Participants gather Sunday morning for The Ruck Up's "Memorial Day Hike" at Palo Duro Canyon.
Hikers start the first leg of the 10-mile " Memorial Day Hike" Sunday morning at Palo Duro Canyon.
Hikers start the first leg of the 10-mile " Memorial Day Hike" Sunday morning at Palo Duro Canyon.
Hikers make their way up the trail Sunday morning at The Ruck Up's "Memorial Day Hike" at Palo Duro Canyon.
Hikers make their way up the trail Sunday morning at The Ruck Up's "Memorial Day Hike" at Palo Duro Canyon.
Toni Trujillo and Pete Hernandez bring up rear guard Sunday at The Ruck Up's "Memorial Day Hike" at Palo Duro Canyon.
Toni Trujillo and Pete Hernandez bring up rear guard Sunday at The Ruck Up's "Memorial Day Hike" at Palo Duro Canyon.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Ruck Up holds 4th annual 'Memorial Day Hike' at Palo Duro Canyon