March to the River

Ethan Cossey, left, and Christian Yarber lead a column of U.S. Marine Corps early enlistees during the March to the River, organized by Semovets and Carry the Load Saturday, May 25, 2019, on city streets in Cape Girardeau. Cossey and Yarber, who ship off to basic training in July and October respectively, said the Memorial Day event was especially meaningful to them this year as they prepare to serve. "It's my duty to protect this country," Yarber said. "And the people of this country." Cossey, who represents the third generation of his family to serve in the military, said he enlisted to carry on the tradition. "I felt like it was my turn," he said. (Tyler Graef ~ Southeast Missourian)

Tamara West watches marchers from her car during the March to the River, organized by Semovets and Carry the Load Saturday, May 25, 2019, on city streets in Cape Girardeau. West's husband, Gary, served in the 101st Airborne division and was awarded the bronze star for his actions, she said. The pair had participated in previous years' marches but West said she decided to be kind to her knees and watch from the car this year. (Tyler Graef ~ Southeast Missourian)

Dalton Riegert, 8, enjoys a brief moment of leading a column of U.S. Marine Corps early enlistees during the March to the River, organized by Semovets and Carry the Load Saturday, May 25, 2019, on city streets in Cape Girardeau. (Tyler Graef ~ Southeast Missourian)

Several flags are seen on marcher and former Cape Girardeau mayor Jay Knudtson during the March to the River, organized by Semovets and Carry the Load Saturday, May 25, 2019, on city streets in Cape Girardeau. (Tyler Graef ~ Southeast Missourian)

Flags are seen during the March to the River, organized by Semovets and Carry the Load Saturday, May 25, 2019, on city streets in Cape Girardeau. (Tyler Graef ~ Southeast Missourian)

Alan Shoen looks at one of his father, Bayden's, medals, which Schoen carried in his rucksack during the March to the River, organized by Semovets and Carry the Load Saturday, May 25, 2019, on city streets in Cape Girardeau. (Tyler Graef ~ Southeast Missourian)

Nolan Turner, 9, plays in the cab of a large military transport truck during the March to the River, organized by Semovets and Carry the Load Saturday, May 25, 2019, on city streets in Cape Girardeau. (Tyler Graef ~ Southeast Missourian)