Downtown Waseca, Minnesota, on Memorial Day weekend.
MEMORIAL DAY BRINGS a focused gratefulness for freedom. And nothing is more visually representative of freedom in the U.S. than the American flag.
Another scene from downtown Waseca, on the other side of the street.
This weekend those flags are flying seemingly everywhere. On front porches, from flag poles and from lamp posts.
Driving eastbound on U.S. Highway 14 between Nicollet and Mankato.
I feel my national pride swell at the sight of flags flying in communities like Elysian, Waseca and Morristown. On a Saturday trip from Faribault to Belview and back, I noticed the red-white-and-blue adorning homes, businesses, pick-up trucks and even silos. Just outside of Morristown, a couple grilled on their deck, an American flag waving in the wind just inches away.
A business in downtown Belview, Minnesota.
I am thankful to live in this country. And grateful to those men and women who died for freedom. Because of them, I am free to express myself through writing and photography. Free.
The American flag on a bag of Crystal Sugar.
On Sunday, as I diced rhubarb in my kitchen, I pulled a bag of sugar from the cupboard. And there, at the top of the bag, was printed an American flag. I paused in that moment, remembering the words I’d sung hours earlier at Trinity Lutheran Church, where I am free to worship:
God bless America, Land that I love,
Stand beside her, and guide her
Through the night with a light from above…
© Copyright 2015 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
“God Bless America” by Irving Berlin
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
God Bless America, she needs it now more than ever..
Yes, she does.
I feel a sense of pride when I see the “Made In The USA” emblem. I intentionally shop for products made in the USA. I also think of my Grandfather Scott, who came to America on a ship from Denmark at the age of 16. Even at that young age he realized a better life here in America. All of our lives Grandpa told us how proud he was to be an American and reminded us of how lucky we are to live here.
Your grandfather was a wise man.
I like that you try to buy Made in the USA. What dismayed me last year was buying American flags made in China. I didn’t notice until I got home.
Thank you for the “extraordinary observed in the ordinary” (as is your literary/observational gift!!!). The tasks on my “to do” lists today had threatened to overshadow the reason for today but my awesome bloggy friends brought it all to the fore and I am grateful!!!! Hugs….
Ah, Doreen, dear bloggy/real-life friend, you are so sweet.
As I drove through our small community yesterday, my heart swelled with pride at the sight of so many flags on display. Then I suddenly realized I had failed to fly our flag. Promptly our flag went up; may we here in American never fail to fly our flag and be proud of the sacrifices that were made for us to be able to do so. As usual, great post Audrey.
Thank you for flying your flag. I just stuck two small American flags in front steps pots. They will remain there all summer.