2nd annual Stars and Stripes Forever Ride

Saturday was the second annual Stars and Stripes Forever Ride held in South Bend.

The Stars and Stripes Program goes to local schools and replaces worn out American Flags.

They also give a presentation about the history of the American Flag to educate students the importance and significance of the symbol.

Students learn how to properly fold and care for the flag and what it means to be a true American.

“For a lot of us vets, the flag represents what we stood for and what our service meant to us. This being Memorial Weekend we have to remember the fallen ones who gave us this freedom so it means a lot to us,” said Wayne Zwierzynski, Army veteran and Director of the program.

He believes passing this patriotism down is essential to younger generations.

“One of the things we need to keep the kids informed on is our heritage, what the flag means to us, why we should always honor the flag, why we should always say the Pledge of Allegiance,” he said.

The 60 mile ride began at 11 a.m. at the Walmart on Ireland Road and ended at the American Legion Post 357.