Bikers carry flag through Albany

By Sam Waller

The city of Albany made a favorable impression on those taking part in the 34th leg of the Old Glory Relay when it passed through town on Thursday, May 4.

The Old Glory Relay is a coast-to-coast trip with military veterans carrying a U.S. flag. The 34th of 50 legs covered 130 miles from Abilene to Weatherford. The relay will conclude May 20 in Atlanta, Georgia.

“I’ve got to say, our ride through Albany with the mayor, Susan Montgomery, and others waving flags was quite a treat,” event volunteer Andrew Pohlmann said. “We passed through several towns, but I think universally, Albany was the favorite. People were on their porches on the way through, and we stopped at the visitors center.”

Riders and their support drivers were given gift bags.

The route included stops at American
Legion and VFW posts and the National Vietnam War Museum at Mineral Wells.

Pohlmann said there was a high level of participation early in the leg, but as anticipated, most were not able to go the entire distance, with Pohlmann the sole rider at the end.

The relay moved into Arkansas this week and will progress through Tennessee to Georgia over the final week.

The Old Glory Relay is a fundraising project of Team Red White & Blue, which offers assistance to improve the physical and mental wellbeing of veterans.