Team RWB poses before the relay.

Teamrwb.org (holding flag); Shutterstock.com (flag border)

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Stars and Stripes

Last spring, a group of veterans carried an American flag across the country. 

January 5, 2026
By Cailin Loesch
American Symbols
Watch a video to learn about some symbols of the United States.

Teamrwb.org

Michael “Sully” Sullivan

In May, 12 military veterans ran more than 3,000 miles across the United States. Along the way, they took turns carrying an American flag. The journey began in San Diego, California, and ended just over two weeks later, on May 18, in Washington, D.C. (see map).

The runners were taking part in the Old Glory Ultra Relay. Team Red, White, and Blue (RWB) had to deal with blazing heat, pouring rain, and even snow. Whether jogging through cities or on country roads, they never let the flag stop moving.

Team RWB set the record for the longest continuous relay of an American flag. But setting a record wasn’t their only goal. The event raised about $1 million for programs that help veterans. And it was a chance to celebrate everything the flag stands for. 

“It represents what’s good about our nation—where we’ve been and where we can go,” says Michael “Sully” Sullivan. He’s a retired U.S. Army Special Forces officer and the executive director of Team RWB.

Old Glory Ultra Relay Route

Jim McMahon/Mapman®

A Powerful Symbol

The story of the flag begins with the founding of the United States. After the colonies declared their independence in 1776, the new nation needed a symbol to represent it. In 1777, the Second Continental Congress chose the first official American flag.

The original design included 13 stars and 13 stripes, one for each of the colonies. As the nation grew, more stars were added—one for each new state. The current flag is the 27th official version. 

Over the years, the flag has become an enduring symbol of pride and freedom. It flies in front of government buildings and schools, has been raised by U.S. soldiers during battles, and was even planted on the moon.

Teamrwb.org

Johnny Glenn runs the Old Glory Ultra Relay on May 7.

Running Strong

Team RWB has been hosting events to honor the American flag for 15 years. The coast-to-coast Old Glory Ultra Relay was its biggest event yet.

To keep the flag moving continuously during the relay, the runners split into teams of four. During every eight-hour shift, each teammate would run for about two hours. Then they would pass the flag to the next runner. While one team was running, the others would drive ahead to the start of the next leg of the relay. 

Veteran Johnny Glenn served for 21 years in the U.S. Army Special Forces. As a part of the relay, he ran more than 240 miles in two weeks. Glenn was often exhausted and his legs ached. But the people who cheered him on along the way helped boost his energy.

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

A Special Journey

The flag used in the relay is especially significant to Sullivan. He kept it with him while serving during the war in Afghanistan in 2009. He was proud to donate it to the relay ahead of America’s 250th birthday.

“We’re lucky to have this internationally recognized symbol,” says Sullivan. “It represents us all, no matter where we come from.”

Famous Flags

The American flag, often called “Old Glory,” has changed as the nation has grown. Here’s a look at some of the flags that have represented the U.S.

Encyclopaedia Britannica/UIG via Getty Images

First Flags 

Several flags were used in the colonies before the U.S. became its own nation. One was the Moultrie Flag, also known as the Liberty Flag (right). It flew over a fort in South Carolina. After the flag was shot down during battle in June 1776, a soldier risked his life to raise it again. 

Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Fact or Legend?

You may have heard that seamstress Betsy Ross designed the first American flag, in 1776. But most historians say there is no proof of that. They say Francis Hopkinson actually designed it. He was a lawyer from New Jersey who had signed the Declaration of Independence. 

Eisenhower Presidential Library

Today’s Version 

The flag needed to be updated after Alaska and Hawaii became the 49th and 50th states in 1959. Americans had submitted more than 3,000 design ideas (two are shown, right). President Dwight D. Eisenhower chose the flag we use today. The 50-star flag is the longest-used version.

NASA

A Symbol in Space 

In 1969, astronauts Buzz Aldrin (right) and Neil Armstrong planted a flag on the moon. It’s one of six American flags still there.

1. Summarize the section “A Powerful Symbol.”

2. What effect did the supporters who came to watch the relay have on runner Johnny Glenn?

3. According to the sidebar, “Famous Flags,” what story about the American flag is most likely just a legend? How does the sidebar support that idea?

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