MADISON, Wis. -- Besides this weekend’s Taste of Madison, the capitol square also held a homecoming celebration Saturday for an American flag that’s been on an extensive tour of the United States.

The flag left Wisconsin in May and has traveled about 14,000 miles across the country, being carried state-by-state by more than 150,000 motorcyclists.

Wisconsin native Bill Sherer said that the idea for what he dubbed the "Patriot Tour" came to him while biking to raise awareness for veterans.

"Somewhere along the journey I realized that it was the American flag, the colors and everything it represents, that unites this country," said Sherer. "And I knew right then and there that if we sent the flag on the Patriot Tour, it would eventually unite. And it did, beyond my wildest dreams."

Sherer said he hopes to continue the tour next summer.

For more information about the Patriot Tour, go to their web site.