Motorists using the Dublin-Dundalk road this week were bemused at the sight of a dozen people pulling a large stone. The casing includes the multicoloured flags of all the countries of the United Nations, and two signs ask people to remember the victims of the Troubles and those unknown civilians killed in war.
There is another sign, "Please help us push", which succeeded in getting two backpackers from South Africa and Lithuania to help the US-based Stonewalk team on their journey.
The stone is based on the monument to the unknown soldier in Arlington Cemetery, "but this is a civilian memorial to reflect the same sentiments. We pull it as a form of penance as America continues to use its armed forces around the world to solve international problems," explained Stonewalk leader Mr Lewis Randa.
Each July for the next 10 years the group will "walk" the stone through a different country. "Last year we walked the stone from Boston to Washington and this year we are en route to Belfast. Next year we will walk from Liverpool to London and then the rest of Europe," Mr Randa said.
The stone is made of granite and with its casing weighs two tonnes. It is a slow, physically demanding but rewarding experience for the team. They have also attracted some temporary new members. "I met them at the youth hostel in Drogheda and they asked if I wanted to join them. I am through Ireland as free as the wind and will stay with them now until Belfast," said Mr Wynand Olivier from Johannesburg.
Also lending his strength was Mr Raymondos Mulevicius from Lithuania who decided to accompany the stone on its way for just one day.
As the group makes its way to Belfast, where they are due on July 22nd, they are hoping members of the public will continue to give them hospitality and join in the walk.