The rumble of patriotism rolled through Naval Air Station Whiting Field Wednesday, July 6 as two motorcycles groups escorted a single American Flag to the installation.

The two organizations were part of the cross-country Nation of Patriot's campaign called the 2016 Patriot Tour. Since 2009, their mission has been to escort one American Flag across 48 states for 100 days to pay tribute to all members and families of America's armed forces -- the past, the present, and the fallen. Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) chapters from throughout the country helped the Nation of Patriots organize the flag relay to make the journey possible.

The flag began its travel May 28 from Harley Davidson of Madison, Wisconsin. The flag is handed off from motorcycle group to motorcycle group as it makes a full circle back to Wisconsin over Labor Day weekend. NAS Whiting Field was the 39th stop out of the 99 made during the tour.

Following a police escort onto the installation, more than 30 motorcycle riders parked in front of the Command Building to hold a flag exchange ceremony, passing the colors from the Tallahassee group to the Northwest Florida Chapter.

"It's a pleasure to have the riders of the 2016 Patriot Tour here at Naval Air Station Whiting Field," said NAS Whiting Field Commanding Officer, Capt. Todd Bahlau said as he welcomed veterans to the base. "We are happy to support you towards your goal of aiding wounded veterans and their families. We are honored to have you here today."

The veterans fell in rank behind a NAS Whiting Field colors detail as they marched to the base's main flagpole. The riders presented the flag to the colors detail, and they raised the flag high for the Pledge of Allegiance. When the flag reached the top, a moment of silence was held to honor the fallen patriots who have bravely served to protect the nation.

As the colors detail retrieved the flag and began to fold it with assistance from the veterans, the flag bearer from Tallahassee read "The Rite of Passing the Flag" to the Pensacola group who will carry the flag onward in its journey.

"By accepting this duty, you are accepting all that is embodied with the colors of this flag. You will proudly represent the nation's collective past, present, and our future. You will represent the many that have stood to the call of duty, the many that serve today, their families and above all, rider, you will bear the memory of those that have fallen defending what is represented in these colors. You ride for honor, for country and for all members of our military -- the heart of our Nation travels with you. Godspeed, flag bearer."

The Pensacola flag bearers, Director of H.O.G. Northwest Florida Chapter Bob Booth and Assistant Director Tom Zolecki accepted the American flag from Aviation Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Matthew Beasley.

Many of the riders and members of the Northwest Florida H.O.G. Chapter enjoyed their time on base as it was a homecoming of sorts. Booth was a former fixed-wing flight instructor at Training Squadron (VT) 3 in the 1970s, and several other members were also instructors at NAS Whiting Field. The Patriot Tour gave them a chance to raise awareness for a cause they feel passionate about.

"We're here to drum up support for the Nation of Patriots," Zolecki said. "100 percent of donations they collect are given to wounded veterans and their families. I'm a retired Air Force service member and half of the members in our chapter are retired armed forces. This is something that's near and dear to us."

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