MOHAWK - Mike Ehredt's mission is simple.
"I'm just one guy putting a flag down," Ehredt said Thursday morning in Auburn, in central New York, as he geared up to continue on his 4,514-mile journey across the United States.
Ehredt, 49, of Idaho, began his run across the country in Astoria, Oregon, on May 1, and on Monday expects to be on Route 5 near Martin Road, or County Highway 35, by 3 p.m.
He will finish in Rockland, Maine.
Ehredt, a U.S. Army veteran and retired postal clerk travels, about 30 miles a day with his jogger stroller and stops at each mile to place a flag with a yellow ribbon bearing the name, age, hometown, rank and service of a member of the U.S. Armed Forces killed in Iraq.
Not motivated by a particular political message, Ehredt said his mission is not about policy - it's about paying a personal tribute with a silent memorial.
"Sometimes actions speak louder than words," Ehredt said.
The placement of each flag for each fallen member of the U.S. Armed Service in Iraq can be tracked on Ehredt's website, www.projectamericarun.com.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 942 will host Ehredt as he spends a quiet night in the area.
Albert "Bruce" Wadsworth of the VFW said the group is happy to support Ehredt and treat him to a meal and a place to stay Monday.
"We were really proud [to host him]," Wadsworth said. "We never would have accepted the invitation to host him if we didn't feel strongly about what he's doing."
Though Wadsworth said the VFW wanted to plan a reception for him, Ehredt said he would be too tired.
"I like to keep things quiet when I come through," Ehredt said. "By the end of the day, I'm pretty tired."
Project America Run is sponsored by Honoring Our Veterans, a non-profit corporation to assist wounded and disabled military veterans.
To donate to Ehredt's cause, read his blog or learn more, visit the project's website at www.projectmericarun.com
Amanda Whistle can be reached at gloversville@leaderherald.com
