Runners Carry American Flag 100 Miles to Honor Gold Star Families and Youth Health

A team of runners completed a 100-mile trek from Oceanside to Venice Beach, bearing an American flag and dedicating each 25-mile segment to a Gold Star family.

Never Surrender USA, a 501(c)(3) dedicated to youth health and civic pride, staged Project 100, a 24-hour challenge requiring runners to carry an American flag for 100 miles from Oceanside to the Venice Beach Pier. The course was divided into four 25-mile segments, each dedicated to a Gold Star family who has lost a loved one in military service. Executive director Nick Salonites said the initiative addresses an “existential health crisis” among the nation’s younger generation, including obesity, chronic disease, depression and waning civic participation.

At the finish, participants such as Da’Quan Law, Alex Burns and Banks Gaines spoke about spiritual faith, mental-health awareness and perseverance, emphasizing love for the country and the importance of physical well-being. Salonites expressed hope that the event proves patriotism remains strong among youth, regardless of political affiliation. The run highlighted both a tribute to fallen families and a call for healthier, more resilient American lives.