In honor of Flag Day, the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA) held a two-day statewide motorcycle ride and flag exchange event that began in Fargo Thursday and stopped in Minot Friday.

The ride commemorated the adoption of the American flag in 1777 and included stops at all four SCHEELS locations in North Dakota and one in Moorhead, Minnesota. At each stop, community members were invited to exchange old or damaged American flags for new flags at no cost. Refreshments were provided to volunteers and people who stopped by to exchange flags.

“All members of the CVMA have seen action in combat and are happy to have events like this in the community,” said CVMA Public Relations Officer Tom Krabbenhoft.

Motorcyclists from across the region were encouraged to join any portion of the ride, with CVMA riders overnighting in Minot before continuing on to Bismarck on Friday. A Minot Police Department vehicle escorted the riders onto U.S. Highway 83 as they rode south to Bismarck around 11:30 a.m., shortly after the Minot event’s conclusion.

All collected flags will be retired respectfully during a public flag retirement ceremony today at 2 p.m. in Fargo, conducted by the CVMA and Fargo Memorial Honor Guard.