Stacy James has spent a large part of his life serving in the Air Force.
"I've been here 21 years. It's been an honor," James said.
For the last few years, he's made it his duty to take part in the Carry The Load relay, where he's walked through more than 19 states across the country with a focus on America's fallen heroes.
"To restore the true meaning of Memorial Day. It's not just about going to the lake or a three-day weekend. It's about honoring our nation's heroes, our military, our law enforcement, our firefighters," he said.
On Wednesday, James and more than two dozen others took their walk to Yardley, Bucks County right through Washington's Crossing.
He says the trek is therapeutic.
"Being able to hear their stories and share my own stories is a bonding connection. It's one that you can have for a lifetime," James said.
James says over the 30 day hike - where he walks 15 miles a day - he carries tags of more than 200 veterans who died in combat or to suicide.
"Sometimes the pain we have physically represents the pain that others carry emotionally," James said.
For James, the walk is a way to honor the men and women, some who he knew personally, who made the ultimate sacrifice.
"It's a healing process," he added.