“We carry their stone for a hike; We carry their story for a lifetime.” The mission of TSP is to honor our state’s post-9/11 fallen service members and–through education, fellowship, and physical activity–provide assurance to their families that these sacrifices will never be forgotten. Unlike any project in America, TSP allows Maine communities to honor our fallen heroes through action. Surviving families unearth and donate stones that uniquely represent their loved ones. Volunteers discover the lives of our heroes and then carry these stone and their stories on treks throughout Maine and across the world. We literally share the burden shouldered by our fallen heroes and their families. Each trekker must (1) learn about the fallen hero they choose to honor; (2) carry his/her tribute stone through a physical challenge; and (3) compose a post-event reflection letter addressed to his/her surviving family.
Already, TSP stones and stories have been shared on Katahdin, Cadillac, Kilimanjaro, Everest, Denali and been carried through parades, marathons and marches all across Maine. Our heroes’ memories remain alive. TSP builds and bolsters our communities by intersecting the lives of the fallen, their families and the faithful. TSP has also revealed the character of Maine and America — A character of service, integrity and loyalty. As Americans, we look after one another, we remember one another, we make sacrifices for one another, we are faithful to each other and we carry each other to higher places, both literally and figuratively. Through TSP we are able to carry on the unfinished work of our fallen heroes toward creating a safer, sounder more just America.