PHOENIX - The Old Glory Relay started in Seattle on September 11 with the goal of reaching Tampa.
The VA in Phoenix is the starting point for the group known as Team RWB -- which stands for red, white and blue.
The nonprofit organization supports veterans after they get out of the service and helps assimilate them back into civilian life through physical and social activity. The group ran the flag into Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza to retire it for the night with a small ceremony in downtown Phoenix.
On Friday there will be plenty of opportunities to catch Old Glory flying through the east Valley, signifying unity among veterans and support for them.
“I’m a veteran and the thing is, is just trying to get out there, getting people off the couch is the biggest challenge and then just letting them know that there’s other things out there,” said Juan Jimenez of Team RWB. “There’s other opportunities out there for them to go to.”
From the VA, they'll head out, stopping at Ability 360, which offers programs empowering people with disabilities, and then three schools.
At one school, a brass band will play the national anthem and at another a student will play the national anthem on an electric guitar.
Team RWB will meet with city officials in Coolidge on their way to the nest stop in Tucson.