Memorial Walk connects Veterans

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - Community members gathered near the Big Curve Shopping Center Monday morning for a Memorial Day honor walk to the Ocean-to-Ocean Bridge.

The walk was organized by Project ENDEX, a Yuma-based veteran nonprofit that helps veterans reconnect through community service and support.

Veterans, families, and local residents walked side by side through Yuma to honor fallen service members and reflect on the meaning of Memorial Day.

"I've lost friends. I'm sure everybody that's with us on this walk of lost friends and those that couldn't come out and walk today. I'm sure they've lost, loved ones also," said John Endres, a participant and veteran.

The walk was also about spending time with other veterans and finding connection through shared experiences.

"I love spending time with veterans. It's just the camaraderie that we all have together, and it's amazing," Marine Corps veteran William Koppelmann said. "We might not know each other, might not have never served with each other, but we had that compassion or that camaraderie to be friends, regardless of who and where we served."

Many shared stories, memories, and quiet moments of reflection together.

"Some of these people, I've never crossed paths with them in my day to day life here and not knowing that they have, that they themselves have had someone that that meant a lot to them, that they also want to honor them," Endres said.

The walk ended at the Ocean-to-Ocean Bridge, where participants continued on to a Memorial Day ceremony.

"I feel honored walking along with them as we remember them and take that walk," Koppelmann expressed.