PLATTSMOUTH – Cass County commissioners gave their blessing Tuesday to a four-year tradition between the universities of Iowa and Nebraska to raise awareness about veterans  lost to suicide.

Participants in the “Things They Carry Ruck March” carry 20 pounds of personal items on the 322-mile route between Kinnick Stadium in Iowa and Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Neb. The 20 pounds are in recognition of the 20 veterans lost each day to suicide.

Commissioner Jim Peterson said the county is thrilled to have a portion of the route go through Cass County.

Peterson: “The county board is in support of our veterans and this march is put on by students in the ROTC programs from both the University of Iowa and the University of Nebraska. We feel it’s a good cause.”

This year’s ruck march began in Iowa on Nov. 24. There is a meeting between Iowa and Nebraska participants at the halfway mark at Freedom Rock in Menlo, Iowa. From there they work their way into Nebraska and through Cass County.

Peterson: “It’s nice that they’ve added the Village of Eagle’s Volunteer Fire Department for an escort, as well, as they go through the Eagle, Alvo fire district area.”

The Things They Carry Ruck March ends with a team carrying the game ball into Memorial Stadium on Nov. 29.

Photo courtesy of Things They Carry Ruck March Facebook in Iowa