A transcontinental relay across 3,000 miles of American road. Every mile run. Every mile dedicated. Every mile a veteran remembered — nominated by the nation they served.
Every American can participate. Whether you run the whole coast or a single mile in your neighborhood, you're part of the same story.
A 3,200-mile coast-to-coast relay carrying a single American flag from San Francisco to Washington, D.C. 250 runners. 21 days. Arriving July 4, 2026.
Learn more →Every November 11, Americans across the country run one mile and dedicate it to a veteran. A single day of national remembrance through movement.
Learn more →Community-organized relays in cities and towns nationwide. Run a local route, honor local veterans, build local bonds.
Learn more →Run one mile. Say one name. Post the video. Challenge three friends. The simplest way to join the movement.
Learn more →The relay, stated simply
When the flag starts moving, you'll see every runner, every mile, every veteran honored — live.
“What makes this movement different is its modesty. A mile. A name. A nomination. It asks almost nothing of you, and in exchange, it offers a small but real act of national remembrance.”
“The men and women we served alongside deserve more than abstract gratitude. Relay For America turns gratitude into effort, and effort into memory. That's how a free country remembers its own.”
“This is the right idea at the right moment. Americans don't need another speech about unity. They need a simple thing to do together. A mile is simple enough.”
3,200 miles across 15 states in 21 days.
The relay begins at the Golden Gate Bridge on June 14, 2026 — Flag Day — with a single American flag passed hand to hand across the nation. Two hundred and fifty runners will carry the flag through deserts, over mountain passes, across the Great Plains, and into the heart of the Eastern Seaboard.
Each runner carries the flag for approximately 13 miles, honoring 12 veterans by name during their leg. The relay arrives at the National Mall on July 4 — America's 250th birthday — in time for the nation's celebration.
VIEW FULL ROUTE →Every veteran honored in the relay was nominated by someone who believed their service should be remembered. It takes two minutes and costs nothing.
In just two minutes, you can ensure a veteran's service is remembered during America's 250th birthday relay. Their name will be spoken aloud as the flag passes their dedicated mile.
Every mile carries a name. Browse all 3,000 veterans honored by the relay.
Built alongside veterans organizations, academic partners, corporate sponsors, and civic leaders across the political spectrum.
Whether it's one mile or one thousand, every American has a place in this relay.