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Legion Riders to provide historic escort for U.S. flag that has traveled the world and will finish up in the nation’s capital on its 250th birthday.

When presented with the opportunity to take part in an international event commemorating the nation’s 250^th birthday, the American Legion Riders chose to do what they normally do: answer the call.

On July 4, nearly 200 American Legion Riders will assemble in downtown Pittsburgh as the sun rises on the United States’ semiquincentennial. As part of Sojourn 250, they will provide an escort for 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.

It was an easy “yes” when it came to taking part in the historic ride.

“91Ӱ���ƽ�� Riders have always answered the call when our nation, our veterans or our communities need us,” American Legion Riders National Chairman David Heredia Jr. said. “Whether we're escorting Gold Star Families, honoring the fallen, supporting veterans in crisis, or raising millions of dollars for 91Ӱ���ƽ��'s Veterans & Children Foundation, we lead from the front.

“When the opportunity arose to escort the Sojourn 250 Flag into our nation's capital on Independence Day, it wasn't just another motorcycle ride – it was another mission. This mission aligns perfectly with who we are. We have the experience, the discipline, and the commitment to safely carry one of our nation's most treasured symbols during the kickoff of America's 250th anniversary celebration.”

Heredia expects it to be a memorable day for those taking part in the escort. “I hope every Rider leaves with a tremendous sense of pride and purpose. More than anything, I hope they return home knowing they were part of something that will never happen again in our lifetime,” he said. “Fifty years from now, when people ask where they were as America began celebrating its 250th birthday, these Riders will be able to say, ‘I was there. I helped escort our nation's flag into our nation's capital.’ That's something no one can ever take away from them.

“I also hope they gain a deeper appreciation for what it means to serve something greater than themselves. This ride brings together veterans, servicemembers, families, and patriots from across the country, united by a shared love of our nation and a commitment to preserving its values.”

The Riders will travel some 250 miles 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 .

Heredia praised those Riders taking part who have helped with the logistics of Sojourn 250.

“Like any mission of this magnitude, there have been last-minute adjustments and challenges along the way,” he said. “That's simply part of coordinating an event involving multiple states, law enforcement agencies and national partners. What has impressed me most is how everyone has remained focused on the mission. No matter the obstacle, the attitude has consistently been, ‘We'll find a way.’ That speaks to the professionalism of everyone involved and the spirit of the American Legion Riders.

“This is history, but it's also about fellowship, service and reminding ourselves that freedom has always required ordinary Americans willing to do extraordinary things.”

Heredia called taking part in Sojourn 250 “one of the greatest honors of my life. Our nation has endured for 250 years because generations of Americans answered the call to defend liberty and preserve the freedoms we enjoy today. To have the privilege of helping escort the Sojourn 250 Flag into our nation's capital on Independence Day is incredibly humbling.

“As a first-generation American, this mission carries an even deeper meaning for me. It reminds me that the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy are not guaranteed. They have been earned and protected by generations of Americans willing to serve and sacrifice. When people see nearly 200 American Legion Riders escorting our nation's flag into Washington, I hope they don't just see motorcycles. I hope they see veterans and patriots continuing a lifetime of service, demonstrating that even after taking off the uniform, our commitment to America never ends.”