Moving Forward: Old Glory Relay
If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.
The Old Glory Relay reminds us, every day, that life is a team sport — and Team RWB wants to go far.
Shortly after founding Team RWB in 2010, I envisioned a group of 24 hard-charging combat veterans to team up and move a single American flag from coast to coast in record time. But in 2012, that dream morphed into something more inspirational than I ever could have imagined by tapping into the power of thousands of veterans and supporters.
Year after year, the Old Glory Relay is our most epic event and 2023 is no different!
Over 800 Eagles are carrying our flag across our country this year and each person carrying Old Glory has a story.
Like Bill, a Vietnam veteran, who is currently battling cancer. Bill traveled 8 hours to join in on the relay and carry the flag 11.5 miles to honor his fellow veterans after learning about the relay in a Department of Veterans Affairs newsletter. Or Corrine and Art, a couple who ran 4.8 miles in honor of a cousin who recently passed away at age 48. Or Mel, who I ran alongside in Los Angeles, carrying the flag exactly one year after starting chemotherapy.
The Old Glory Relay has become a representation of who we are as an organization, the strength of Eagle Nation — and the grit, resilience, and perseverance of veterans.
The Old Glory Relay is not just a physical event, but also an emotional one. The American flag is a powerful symbol of the country and its people, and its relay across the nation is a reminder of the values that Americans and Team RWB hold high. The relay is a celebration of patriotism, unity, and community…and a testament to the power of the human spirit.
This flag represents a concept so much bigger than ourselves, and carrying it means something different to everyone. To me, it represents the millions of veterans who took an oath to defend our nation. It represents those lost in service. It represents each one of us who have offered support to a battle buddy in a time of need.
I hope you know it’s not too late to join us on this journey. Click the button below to learn how.
Thanks for helping us go far!
Mike Erwin
