The 5th annual Nation of Patriots tour cruised from Albert Lea to Waukon, Iowa, last week.

The Nation of Patriots tour is a motorcycle tour that takes an American flag that has been flown in combat around the lower 48 states. The journey takes 100 days, and began on Memorial Day.

The journey will conclude in Beaver Dam, Wis., on Labor Day.

The flag arrived in Albert Lea on Tuesday from Eden Prairie. Flagbearer R.J. Bergstrom accepted the flag at Bergdale’s Harley-Davidson after a formal flag-folding presentation.

An honor guard consisting of soldiers and veterans from the Albert Lea American Legion Post 56, Albert Lea Veterans of Foreign Wars and Auxiliary and the Albert Lea National Guard Armory received the flag as well.

Bergstrom, a Vietnam veteran, was issued a rider’s oath to carry the flag with dignity and honor.

Sen. Dan Sparks read a proclamation issued by Gov. Mark Dayton which proclaimed Wednesday Nation of Patriots Day in Minnesota.

Albert Lea Harley Owner’s Group chapter activities director Chuck Paczkowski also read a proclamation issued by Mayor Vern Rasmussen proclaiming Wednesday Nation of Patriots Day in Albert Lea.

The Albert Lea Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary presented poppies to riders and wished each a safe journey, as well as thanked them for remembering the Veterans of the United States.

Sixty riders on 44 motorcycles joined the ride to escort the flag. Funds raised will be presented by the Nation of Patriots this fall once a recipient is identified. The process is underway to seek out a combat-wounded veteran to help with his or her unmet needs.