Across the country, something meaningful has been unfolding.
Over the past few weeks, a commemorative Betsy Ross 250 flag has traveled more than 6,600 miles, making its way through towns and cities where people came together to pause, reflect and celebrate what it means to be an American. Now, that journey has come home to Omaha, Nebraska.
Produced by Annin Flagmakers, this special flag was created in honor of America’s 250th birthday. Featuring the original 13 stars and stripes surrounding the number 250, it serves as a tangible reminder of where the nation started. But the true story isn’t simply the craftsmanship of the flag; it’s the people it represents.
The month-long tour began on May 11 in South Boston, Virginia, where the flag was unfurled for the first time. From small towns to major cities, communities welcomed the flag with moments of pride and gratitude. In Wallace, North Carolina, the local fire department marked its 100th anniversary and the dedication of a new station with a special flag presentation. On Memorial Day, families gathered at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center in Townsend, Tennessee, to honor those who served.
The journey continued with stops in Butler, Pennsylvania; St. Augustine, Florida; Brooksville, Kentucky; Union City, Tennessee; Holly Springs, Mississippi; and El Paso, Texas. In Los Angeles, community members came together to celebrate and reflect during a ceremony at the Korean Festival Foundation. Each stop added something meaningful to the journey. Along the route, community members contributed regional keepsakes to a time capsule that will be preserved at WoodmenLife’s home office in Omaha, capturing a unique snapshot of this moment in American history.
For WoodmenLife, patriotism has always meant more than tradition. It’s about people. It’s about showing up in communities, honoring those who serve and recognizing the shared values that connect citizens. For more than 80 years, the organization has presented U.S. flags to schools, first responders and community organizations across the country. With more than 4 million flags shared, that commitment continues to be one of the many ways they support the places their members call home.
As the tour concluded, the impact went beyond just miles traveled.
“This journey has been a powerful reminder of how much we share,” said WoodmenLife president & CEO Denise M. McCauley. “Across the country, we saw communities come together in ways that felt genuine and heartfelt. As America marks its 250th birthday, it is important that we honor the hardworking people who built our country and continue to strengthen our communities today.”
In addition to the tour, WoodmenLife presented 250 commemorative flags to communities across the country, extending the spirit of the journey even further before Flag Day.
This historic initiative wasn’t just about celebrating a milestone. It was designed to continue a long-standing tradition of supporting communities, honoring service and bringing people together around the values that matter most. And this past Flag Day, on June 14, that spirit was right here at home.
For more than 135 years, WoodmenLife has been dedicated to helping hardworking Americans secure their family’s futures and leave a lasting legacy. WoodmenLife is a leading provider of life insurance and retirement planning solutions with more than $11 billion in total assets. Visit woodmenlife.org to learn more.
