Independence Day Ruck March held

BY Ariana Shah

Participants of The Canyon Lake Veterans and First Responders Club first annual Independence Day Ruck March take to the streets on Vacation Dr. Photo provided by Joseph Calise.

The Canyon Lake Veterans and First Responders Club hosted its first annual Independence Day Ruck March Saturday, which began at Gault Field and finished at the Canyon Lake Town Center.

A military ruck, which consists of soldiers moving quickly while holding their military gear, is usually held over rugged terrain. The Saturday ruck, although not over difficult roads, generated plenty of sweat.

Many participants at the ruck wore weighted vests or full military equipment. Those who didn’t participate lined the streets and cheered on those marching up Canyon Lake streets in the heat.

“It was a four-mile ruck march, which is way shorter than military ones that are around 12 miles,” Club President Joseph Calise said. “But the main objective was to get everyone to participate. From veterans to active duty to community members, we welcome everyone.”

The club itself was formed last year in July.

“We really want to create a place where veterans and first responders can come together and talk,” Joseph said. “We always try to do events and grow our member size.”

Those participating in the ruck gather at the end of the miles-long course at the Canyon Lake Town Center Saturday. Photo provided by Christy Williams

The club’s first ruck was sponsored by Patriotic Arms, which donated an easy up, along with the Elsinore Municipal Valley Water District, which donated six cases of water. The Canyon Lake Junior Women’s Club and Canyon Lake Emergency Preparedness Committee also helped out in the water booth and cheered on participants.

This march aims to strengthen the camaraderie between the community of veterans, first responders, and the citizens.

“Canyon Lake is a great patriotic community; it’s not hard to get everyone together,” Joseph said. “Our club’s objective is to ensure we can build trust and a great sense of community between all of us.”

Residents who did not participate in the ruck, took to their golf carts and cheered on those who did. Photo provided by Christy Williams. Photo provided by Joseph Calise.

All different types of residents showed up to join the ruck which was held the day before Independence Day on Saturday from Gault Field to the Canyon Lake Town Center. Photo provided by Christy Williams.