An American flag’s journey across the United States

Old Glory traveled through 10 states and touched more than 8,000 hands on its 4,216 mile journey across America this year. Now the third annual Old Glory Relay across the United States has come to an end.

Organized by Team Red, White Blue, the national event spans 62 days and brings together runners, cyclists, walkers and hikers who have a shared interest in connecting with veterans and civilians in the communities they call home.

"We really wanted this to be a unifying event for the organization and to demonstrate the power and the inspiration that comes with a community of veterans working on an epic undertaking together," said Team RWB Executive Director Blayne Smith. "We figured if we could run a single American flag averaging 60 miles a day … that would be a demonstration of the good that we could do together if we all worked together formed as a team and committed to a big goal."

With support from incredible members and sponsors like Microsoft, Westfield, The Schultz Family Foundation, Amazon, Salesforce, Starbucks and La Quinta Inn Suites, the event raised more than $1,250,000! Team RWB will then use the donations to help establish new chapters across the United States and to sponsor events where veterans and community members with a shared interest in social and physical activities can get together for a little PT and camaraderie.

But the Old Glory Relay takes that connection one step further, linking together Team RWB's 210 chapters and over 115,000 members with their love for the Stars and Stripes.

"This is all about connecting folks to the American flag," said Donnie Starling, Team RWB's national development project manager. "One hand-off after another, under the symbol of Old Glory."

"People see the flag, and they see different things," remarked Navy veteran Sean Kelly. "But when they see people together in their community, they're drawn to it. I think it's an interesting time in our country - and to see a positive force that tries to pull people together, that's a super important mission that I'm excited to be a part of."

The Old Glory Relay began on Sept. 11 under the Space Needle in Seattle. Runners carried the flag through the Pacific Northwest, through California and across the desert Southwest and deep south.

The relay ended on Veterans Day in Tampa. And while it was a long journey through some grueling country, the feeling of accomplishment showed through from all the participants.

For Shawn Cleary, a runner in Arizona who delivered the flag to the Tucson team to finish out the Phoenix leg, being part of Team RWB has helped him to get to know a culture he wasn't a part of as a civilian but had always respected as a military child.

"My life before Team RWB was kind of a college lifestyle," Cleary says. "It started about two and a half years ago, I wanted to get healthy again, and I was starting to run."

A friend suggested Cleary run with Team RWB. "I was just hooked," he says.

There are tens of thousands of veterans and civilians alike who have gotten "hooked" and found a home with Team Red, White Blue. Through the organization, they continue to give back to one another and the community at large - and have an incredible time doing so!

There are many ways to get involved with Team Red, White Blue, so join the team and get started today. There are always local events happening, and keep an eye out for Team RWB's national events like the Old Glory Relay!