Mobilians on June 26 celebrated the arrival in Alabama of an American flag that is making its way on a 44-day journey from the nation’s capital to Birmingham to be part of the opening ceremonies of The World Games 2022.
The flag, which has been carried by U.S. veterans across 15 states, entered Mobile’s historic Bienville Square on Sunday to cheers and waves from spectators. The 3,100-mile Team RWB Old Glory Relay is sponsored by Airbus, whose Mobile manufacturing facility employs nearly 300 veterans.
Old Glory Relay enters Alabama as flag for The World Games makes its way through Mobile from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.
The flag was flown over the U.S. Capitol before beginning its journey on May 25. Team RWB, which stands for Team Red, White & Blue, is a nationwide nonprofit organization that supports health and wellness initiatives for veterans. The nonprofit helped recruit hundreds of veterans and volunteers to “walk, ruck, run, push and cycle” the flag from Washington to Birmingham, according to the organization’s website.
RELATED: Veterans begin 3,100-mile journey to carry American flag to The World Games 2022 in Alabama
Volunteers from the Alabama Power Service Organization joined employees of Airbus and others to support Sunday’s celebration in Mobile.
“Today, we’re celebrating The World Games and its first touchpoint in Alabama,” said Daryl Taylor, vice president and general manager of the Airbus facility in Mobile. “We’re really proud to be the sponsor of the Old Glory Relay and to be partnering with Team Red, White and Blue. We’re a global company, but very proud to be citizens of Alabama and citizens of the U.S.”
Mobilians, Alabama Power Service Organization, Airbus and officials welcomed the Old Glory Relay into Mobile as the flag makes its way to Birmingham for The World Games. (Brian Jordan)
Mobilians, Alabama Power Service Organization, Airbus and officials welcomed the Old Glory Relay into Mobile as the flag makes its way to Birmingham for The World Games. (Brian Jordan)
Mobilians, Alabama Power Service Organization, Airbus and officials welcomed the Old Glory Relay into Mobile as the flag makes its way to Birmingham for The World Games. (Brian Jordan)
Mobilians, Alabama Power Service Organization, Airbus and officials welcomed the Old Glory Relay into Mobile as the flag makes its way to Birmingham for The World Games. (Brian Jordan)
Mobilians, Alabama Power Service Organization, Airbus and officials welcomed the Old Glory Relay into Mobile as the flag makes its way to Birmingham for The World Games. (Brian Jordan)
Mobilians, Alabama Power Service Organization, Airbus and officials welcomed the Old Glory Relay into Mobile as the flag makes its way to Birmingham for The World Games. (Brian Jordan)
Mobilians, Alabama Power Service Organization, Airbus and officials welcomed the Old Glory Relay into Mobile as the flag makes its way to Birmingham for The World Games. (Brian Jordan)
Mobilians, Alabama Power Service Organization, Airbus and officials welcomed the Old Glory Relay into Mobile as the flag makes its way to Birmingham for The World Games. (Brian Jordan)
Mobilians, Alabama Power Service Organization, Airbus and officials welcomed the Old Glory Relay into Mobile as the flag makes its way to Birmingham for The World Games. (Brian Jordan)
Mobilians, Alabama Power Service Organization, Airbus and officials welcomed the Old Glory Relay into Mobile as the flag makes its way to Birmingham for The World Games. (Brian Jordan)
Mobilians, Alabama Power Service Organization, Airbus and officials welcomed the Old Glory Relay into Mobile as the flag makes its way to Birmingham for The World Games. (Brian Jordan)
Mobilians, Alabama Power Service Organization, Airbus and officials welcomed the Old Glory Relay into Mobile as the flag makes its way to Birmingham for The World Games. (Brian Jordan)
Mobilians, Alabama Power Service Organization, Airbus and officials welcomed the Old Glory Relay into Mobile as the flag makes its way to Birmingham for The World Games. (Brian Jordan)
Mobilians, Alabama Power Service Organization, Airbus and officials welcomed the Old Glory Relay into Mobile as the flag makes its way to Birmingham for The World Games. (Brian Jordan)
Mobilians, Alabama Power Service Organization, Airbus and officials welcomed the Old Glory Relay into Mobile as the flag makes its way to Birmingham for The World Games. (Brian Jordan)
Mobilians, Alabama Power Service Organization, Airbus and officials welcomed the Old Glory Relay into Mobile as the flag makes its way to Birmingham for The World Games. (Brian Jordan)
Mobilians, Alabama Power Service Organization, Airbus and officials welcomed the Old Glory Relay into Mobile as the flag makes its way to Birmingham for The World Games. (Brian Jordan)
Mobilians, Alabama Power Service Organization, Airbus and officials welcomed the Old Glory Relay into Mobile as the flag makes its way to Birmingham for The World Games. (Brian Jordan)
Mobilians, Alabama Power Service Organization, Airbus and officials welcomed the Old Glory Relay into Mobile as the flag makes its way to Birmingham for The World Games. (Brian Jordan)
Mobilians, Alabama Power Service Organization, Airbus and officials welcomed the Old Glory Relay into Mobile as the flag makes its way to Birmingham for The World Games. (Brian Jordan)
Mobilians, Alabama Power Service Organization, Airbus and officials welcomed the Old Glory Relay into Mobile as the flag makes its way to Birmingham for The World Games. (Brian Jordan)
Mobilians, Alabama Power Service Organization, Airbus and officials welcomed the Old Glory Relay into Mobile as the flag makes its way to Birmingham for The World Games. (Brian Jordan)
Mobilians, Alabama Power Service Organization, Airbus and officials welcomed the Old Glory Relay into Mobile as the flag makes its way to Birmingham for The World Games. (Brian Jordan)
Mobilians, Alabama Power Service Organization, Airbus and officials welcomed the Old Glory Relay into Mobile as the flag makes its way to Birmingham for The World Games. (Brian Jordan)
Mobilians, Alabama Power Service Organization, Airbus and officials welcomed the Old Glory Relay into Mobile as the flag makes its way to Birmingham for The World Games. (Brian Jordan)
Mobilians, Alabama Power Service Organization, Airbus and officials welcomed the Old Glory Relay into Mobile as the flag makes its way to Birmingham for The World Games. (Brian Jordan)
Mobilians, Alabama Power Service Organization, Airbus and officials welcomed the Old Glory Relay into Mobile as the flag makes its way to Birmingham for The World Games. (Brian Jordan)
Mobilians, Alabama Power Service Organization, Airbus and officials welcomed the Old Glory Relay into Mobile as the flag makes its way to Birmingham for The World Games. (Brian Jordan)
Mobilians, Alabama Power Service Organization, Airbus and officials welcomed the Old Glory Relay into Mobile as the flag makes its way to Birmingham for The World Games. (Brian Jordan)
Mobilians, Alabama Power Service Organization, Airbus and officials welcomed the Old Glory Relay into Mobile as the flag makes its way to Birmingham for The World Games. (Brian Jordan)
Mobilians, Alabama Power Service Organization, Airbus and officials welcomed the Old Glory Relay into Mobile as the flag makes its way to Birmingham for The World Games. (Brian Jordan)
Mobilians, Alabama Power Service Organization, Airbus and officials welcomed the Old Glory Relay into Mobile as the flag makes its way to Birmingham for The World Games. (Brian Jordan)
Mobilians, Alabama Power Service Organization, Airbus and officials welcomed the Old Glory Relay into Mobile as the flag makes its way to Birmingham for The World Games. (Brian Jordan)
Mobilians, Alabama Power Service Organization, Airbus and officials welcomed the Old Glory Relay into Mobile as the flag makes its way to Birmingham for The World Games. (Brian Jordan)
Mobilians, Alabama Power Service Organization, Airbus and officials welcomed the Old Glory Relay into Mobile as the flag makes its way to Birmingham for The World Games. (Brian Jordan)
Mobilians, Alabama Power Service Organization, Airbus and officials welcomed the Old Glory Relay into Mobile as the flag makes its way to Birmingham for The World Games. (Brian Jordan)
Mobilians, Alabama Power Service Organization, Airbus and officials welcomed the Old Glory Relay into Mobile as the flag makes its way to Birmingham for The World Games. (Brian Jordan)
Mobilians, Alabama Power Service Organization, Airbus and officials welcomed the Old Glory Relay into Mobile as the flag makes its way to Birmingham for The World Games. (Brian Jordan)
Nick Sellers, CEO of The World Games 2022, was on hand for the flag arrival. He said the flag’s sojourn across “the heartland of America” has been inspiring, leading up to the first major international multisport event in years that will be open to live spectators.
“This truly will be a great reconnection of the international sports community. And the fans, they get a chance to see it,” Sellers said. “It’s huge for the state of Alabama. Gosh knows, the country needs it, the world needs this reconnection right now.”
Also supporting the Old Glory Relay is BMW, which provided a custom-decorated pace car that accompanied the flagbearers during the journey. To track the relay progress, click here.
The Route for the Old Glory Relay started in Washington, D.C. and will end in Birmingham. (contributed)
The World Games, which begin July 7 and run through July 17, is expected to draw 3,600 of the world’s best athletes, representing more than 100 nations. The athletes will compete in more than 30 sports at venues across the Birmingham area.
To learn more about The World Games 2022, visit twg2022.com.
