Storied American flag makes stop in Montana en route to D.C. for America 250th celebration

A storied American flag made a stop at the Montana State Capitol on Monday en route to Washington, D.C., to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary in July.

The project, called Flag Sojourn 250, launched on Flag Day, June 14, 2025, and is a partnership between the National Flag Foundation and America 250th Committee. The mission is to send the flag to every U.S. state, territory and 26 military cemeteries across 10 countries.

“In Montana, we value the Constitution, freedom, and the enduring promise of this great nation,” Gov. Greg Gianforte said at a ceremony Monday morning. “As this flag travels across the country to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our country, it serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made to protect our liberties and the responsibility to preserve them for future generations.”

The flag returned from its international stops at military cemeteries and U.S. territories in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans on Oct. 8, 2025. It is now traveling to each of the 50 states.

During Monday’s ceremony, Lewis and Clark County Sheriff Leo Dutton and Gov. Gianforte delivered remarks, which were followed by the raising and lowering of the flag by the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard.

“The Flag Sojourn 250 is more than a journey, it is a solemn sojourn. The Flag Sojourn 250 honors our nation’s most prized symbol and pays tribute to all our countrymen and women, including those who have given their lives in service to the ideals the flag represents,” Sheriff Dutton said.

The flag will next be flown in Wyoming.