Riders still needed for July 4 escort for U.S. flag that will have traveled 26 countries and flown over graves of U.S. servicemembers.
In less than three weeks, 173 American Legion Riders and their passengers will head out on what the national Riders chairman is calling much more than a ride. And he’s hoping to entice other Riders to register for the Sojourn 250 to bring that number up to 250 – and help celebrate the country’s 250th birthday in the nation’s capital.
The Riders on Sojourn 250 will provide an escort to an American flag that will have traveled 26 countries, flying over the graves and memorials of U.S. heroes buried in cemeteries under the American Battle Monuments Commission’s care. The final leg of that international tour begins at the national headquarters of the National Flag Foundation in Pittsburgh and will end in the nation’s capital.
“To all the Riders who have already signed up, thank you for your commitment, your patriotism and your willingness to be a part of something greater than yourself,” American Legion Riders National Chairman David Heredia said. “What we’re doing is more than just a ride. It’s a mission of honor, remembrance and service. Having the opportunity to support the National Flag Foundation and bringing that flag of honor that has flown over countless nations and cemeteries is a feat in itself.”
On the morning of July 4, the Riders will travel some 250 miles – about a six-hour journey – and make their first stop at the Washington Nationals-Pittsburgh Pirates Major League Baseball game at Nationals Park. They are expected to arrive at about 1 p.m. (about the time of the seventh-inning stretch) and present the flag before the crowd. Game information is available on the Washington Nationals website.
Following that appearance, a group of Legion Riders from the Sojourn 250 event will loop past the U.S. Supreme Court building and the White House before delivering the U.S. flag at the Capitol. This historic flag will have a place of honor inside the National Archives following the tour.
Registration for the ride will end once 250 participants are signed up. Register here.
Heredia is asking other Riders to sign up for the Sojourn 250. “Every mile that we travel helps tell the story of our nation and our flag and the veterans who have served,” he said. “Stay focused and just remember what our mission is. That’s to ride with purpose and pride.”
- Riders