IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, we have much to be thankful for, most notably our freedom. Have a wonderful Fourth of July and enjoy these photos, my gift to you as we celebrate the birth of our great nation.
My great nephew Hank, born on June 20, is celebrating his first Fourth of July.
My daughters light the southwestern Minnesota prairie sky with sparklers at a weekend pre-July Fourth family gathering.
The flag which flies at the home of my middle brother.
Flags line the park area along Highway 169 through St. Peter.
One of my favorite patriotic songs, America the Beautiful.
Copyright 2012 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Once again, you have nailed the Spirit of 4th of July in photos. We live in the Greatest Country on Earth, and on this day we must all put our hands to our hearts and thank God for all the Brave Men and Women who have kept our country safe by serving in the Military. The Flag represents so much more than the colors, stripes, and stars. It represents Freedom, and Courage. I must also add that Hank surely has the neatest boots I have seen in a long time. May this very young American man carry on the tradition of all that America stands for. I can not speak for others, but why do I get teary eyed every time I see the American Flag? It can be as small as the little Flags they hand out at parades, or as large as the Flags flying over our Federal buildings, they always make me proud to be an American, and “sweating eyes”. God Bless us All, and God Bless America!!!! I wish all a Happy and Safe 4th of July.
A Happy Fourth of July to you also, Allan. Aren’t Hank’s boots just the cutest? They were a gift from family members who thought them just too darn cute to pass up.
I’ll be posting more pix of my great nephew in the future. You won’t believe the other little onesie he wore to the family Fourth of July gathering.
Thanks for all your spot on comments about what today means for us as Americans.
Happy 4th Audrey, Thanks for the photos to remind us of what a beautiful America we live in. Little Hank is adorable, he was born 1 day after my grandson. Love his boots and cute little “onesie”. Enjoy your day!
Splendid that Hank was born one day after your grandson. We all loved those boots. Not sure about Hank. But at least he did not kick them off.
Happy 4th – Enjoy – God Bless America!
Happy Fourth to you also! And I like your “God bless America!” addition.