VIDALIA — Mike Eherdt is planting a flag for each mile on his run from the Canadian border in Minnesota to Galveston, Texas. Each flag bears the name of a fallen U.S. soldier killed during the war in Afghanistan. Ferguson and other Vidalia police officers escorted Ehredt from the Mississippi River bridge through town Monday.

Ehredt runs 26 miles a day on his journey from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico.

Ehredt says he does not make a political statement with his run — just a personal tribute and a gift of thanks to those who serve the country.