This year, American Legion Riders are once again carrying a United States flag 14,500 miles to 48 states as part of the Nation of Patriots tour.

The flag was brought to Albert Lea on Thursday from Mason City in the presence of dozens of local veterans.

Assistant Director of American Legion Post 56 Legion Riders Larry Larson said proceeds from the tour benefit wounded veterans and their families.

“A lot of the times, when they get back out of the service, they spent time away from families,” he said. “It’s important for us to support the families.

“It’s impressive to have the participation of the riders. And the veterans — we have veterans that are riding with us today, and they realize how significant this is to raise money for that cause.”

The flag was scheduled to depart from Albert Lea American Legion to Crow River Harley-Davidson in Delano at 9 a.m. Friday.

Nation of Patriots was founded by Milwaukee resident William Sherer in 2009. That year, Sherer carried the flag on his motorcycle through 33 states east of the Mississippi River.

Sherer reportedly did not initially raise much money and began the nonprofit organization Nation of Patriots and as well as the Nation of Patriots tour.

Retired veteran Wes Halverson said tour proceeds could help veterans whose treatment is delayed because of a Veterans Administration backlog.

“This is a way we can kind of help him out,” he said.

Halverson, who served in the U.S. Army and National Guard from 1975-2003, was commander of the Albert Lea American Legion from 2015-16.

“As a retired veteran, anything we can do to help other veterans and their families,” he said. “None of us could do our job unless our families back home were being taken care of.

“Now it’s time to step up and help those wounded soldiers and their families when they need it.”