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Act of Valor is a fictional film that uses currently serving U.S. military to express the daily struggles endured by our camouflaged men and women through dramatic reenactment. It premieres this evening at Cinemark West Plano and will be presented by Congressman Pete Sessions, Councilmember Sheffie Kadane and U.S. Navy SEALs Clint Bruce and Stephen Holley.
Why are so many folks coming together for a film screening? Well, the theater is really a gathering point for discussion. SEALs Holley and Bruce are using the release to raise awareness for their now-annual event Carry the Load, which had its inaugural launch last Memorial Day. Carry the Load is an effort to steer folks away from barbecues, hangovers on the couch and the other ways that Memorial Day has grown to be experienced and redirect our focus to the day’s original intent.
Load’s co-founders Holley and Bruce encourage the community to gather for a 20 hour 12 minute walk (done in shifts) to raise money, with funds going to non-profit organizations that nurture and serve the military’s injured and the families of the fallen. During the walk itself, participants are encouraged to carry items from either veterans or actively serving loved ones.
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Video footage of last year’s event showed some young guys walking with a log stretched on top of their shoulders; the wood is covered with pictures of their brothers, fathers and uncles. It’s this need to connect with our distantly serving military that forms the day’s foundation, and this evening’s film screening of Act of Valor will be an in-your-face reminder of what our military is going through as we nosh on sandwiches and drink lattes.
Tonight’s program begins at 7:20 p.m. and the film screens at 7:50 p.m. at Cinemark Plano West, which is located at 3800 Dallas Parkway. For more information on tonight’s screening, go here. To learn more about how you can participate in Carry the Load, go here.
