FORT SMITH (KFSM)--Motorcycle riders are carrying our nation's flag to 48 states, raising money for wounded veterans and their families.
On Wednesday (July 13), a flag transfer ceremony took place at the Old Fort Harley-Davidson. Around 15 motorcyclists rode in from Little Rock.
"This is my fourth ride up here and also to be the flag bearer of bringing the flag to its next stop," Salvador Diaz said. "It brings tears to my eyes every year that I do it."
Diaz a veteran himself, passed the flag on to fellow patriot Wayne Pope. He will be carrying the flag to Joplin on Thursday (July 14).
"Think about the logistical challenge of moving a flag from Memorial Day to Labor Day through the lower 48 states," Pope said.
But that's what the riders do. The 100-day, 14,000-mile journey starts and ends in Wisconsin, and the Patriot Tour has been going on for the past seven years.
"It started out just to honor the veterans," Pope said. "It has become a fundraiser where they're helping disabled veterans."
This year the goal is to raise $200,000. It brings a smile to Ted Leighton's face. He's a disabled veteran himself.
"[It just shows] that people care about veterans," he said.
"The funds are provided to these veterans typically around Christmas time, so they can provide a Christmas for their family," Pope said.
The Patriot Tour will leave from the Old Fort Harley-Davidson at 2:30 p.m. Thursday and will arrive in Joplin at around 6 p.m.