Team Red, White, and Blue poses before the relay (left). Johnny Glenn runs the Old Glory Ultra Relay on May 7 (right). 

Shutterstock.com (stars); Teamrwb.org (all other images)

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Stars and Stripes

Former members of the military carried an American flag across the country.

January 5, 2026
By Cailin Loesch

As You Read, Think About: What does the American flag stand for?

American Symbols
Watch a video to learn about some symbols of the United States.

In May, 12 military veterans ran more than 3,000 miles across the United States. They took turns carrying an American flag the entire way. The journey began in San Diego, California. It ended just over two weeks later in Washington, D.C.

The run was called the Old Glory Ultra Relay. Team Red, White, and Blue (RWB) faced heat, rain, and even snow. They ran through big cities and along country roads.

The veterans completed the longest nonstop relay of an American flag. But the event wasn’t just about setting a record. It raised about $1 million to help veterans. The relay was also a chance to celebrate the flag.

“It represents what’s good about our nation—where we’ve been and where we can go,” says Michael “Sully” Sullivan. He’s a 30-year U.S. Army veteran and the leader of Team RWB.

Old Glory Ultra Relay Route

Jim McMahon/Mapman®

Staying Strong

The American flag is often called “Old Glory.” It is one of the nation’s best-known symbols. Team RWB has been hosting events to honor the flag for 15 years. The relay was one of their biggest events yet.

Johnny Glenn served for 21 years in the U.S. Army. During the relay, he ran more than 240 miles. Glenn was often exhausted and his legs ached. But the people who cheered him on along the way gave him a boost.

“Seeing Americans come out and support us because they know the sacrifice we made kept my mind and heart going,” Glenn says.

Special Journey

The flag used in the relay is very meaningful to Sullivan. He had it while serving in the war in Afghanistan in 2009. (Afghanistan is a country in Asia.) He was proud the flag was used in the relay ahead of America’s 250th birthday.

“It represents us all, no matter where we come from,” Sullivan says.

A Powerful Symbol

The flag has long been important to Americans. In 1777, the first official American flag was flown. The one we use today is the 27th official version. It has 50 stars, one for each state. It also has 13 stripes. They represent the 13 Colonies.

Over the years, the American flag has become a symbol of pride and hope. It flies in front of schools, government buildings, and other places. It has even been planted on the moon!

NASA

Astronauts Buzz Aldrin (pictured) and Neil Armstrong placed a flag on the moon in 1969.

1. What challenges did the veterans face as they completed the relay?

2. Why was the flag used in the relay meaningful to Michael Sullivan?

3. What is the sidebar, “A Powerful Symbol,” mostly about?

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