EAST PEORIA – A local woman joined fellow runners from across the United States to participate in Relay for America: a non-stop carry of the U.S. flag from San Francisco to Washington, D.C.
Nicole Roberts of East Peoria toted the Stars and Stripes about 13 miles last week, beginning her leg of the relay on a rural road in Logan County.
The all-volunteer cross-country relay is an effort to honor the nation’s history, celebrate American unity, and recognize the sacrifices made by service members, veterans, first responders, and their families. Participants work together to ensure the American flag remains in continuous motion throughout the journey spanning more than 3,000 miles across the United States.
“Participating in the Relay for America was an incredible experience,” said Roberts. “Carrying the American flag as part of a continuous journey across the country is a meaningful way to celebrate our freedoms and recognize those who have served and sacrificed for our nation.”
The Relay for America event drew participants from across the U.S., as the flag travels from San Francisco to the nation’s capital without stopping. Community members are encouraged to follow the relay’s progress and support participants as they help carry the American flag on its journey across America. Volunteers left the San Francisco starting line on Flag Day June 14.
As of Monday afternoon, the relay had reached Lafayette, Indiana. Organizers expect the flag to reach its Washington, D.C. finish line Friday evening.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: East Peoria woman participates in Relay for America in Illinois
Reporting by Mike Kramer, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Mike Kramer, Peoria Journal Star | USA TODAY Network
