At the Kenyon Public Utilities building, signage marks the birth and bicentennial of our country from 1776-1976. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)
BUILT BY THE PEOPLE FOR THE PEOPLE. I suppose in many ways that could describe the building of America. We are a nation built by the people on the principles of freedom, of democracy. That’s important to remember in the hoopla of the Fourth of July, a holiday synonymous with BBQs, parades, fireworks and a day off from work.
Spotted on a house in Kenyon. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)
But the founding of our country, the birth of a nation, is at the core of our July Fourth celebration. Or at least it should be.
A stunning house along Red Wing Avenue showcases beautiful landscaping and the red-white-and-blue. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)
On recent day trips to several small towns in southern Minnesota, I noticed the red-white-and-blue on full display. Visual reminders that loyalty to country and liberty are still cherished.
A flag flies at Kenyon’s hardware store. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)
I appreciate when people, businesses, governments showcase the colors of this country in ways that honor and respect the integrity of America. Not to make a political statement.
Patriotism in carved eagles and an American flag in a Kenyon neighborhood. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)
In Kenyon, a rural community of just under 2,000 in Goodhue County, I found an array of red-white-and-blue. From Main Street to residential neighborhoods, locals have infused the colors of our country into the landscape.
Allan and Connie Turner have lots of kitschy handcrafted art in their yard at the corner of Red Wing Avenue and Eighth Street next to the Kenyon water tower. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo 2024)
American made sold at All Seasons Thrift Store. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)
Patriotic bags for sale in the thrift shop. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)
Flags fly. Kitschy yard art celebrates the Fourth. Even inside a thrift store, American pride shows.
An American and MIA flag fly at the Kenyon Post Office. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)
An American flag is barely visible to the right as a sprayer passes Kenyon’s veterans’ memorial. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)
A patriotic barn and porch quilt, available at D & S Banner, Sign & Print. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)
This is America. From small town to big city. From coast-to-coast. No matter where we live in this big wide country, we are, today, one nation celebrating the birth of our nation.
One of several flag decals in the windows of the VFW. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)
Happy birthday, America! And happy Fourth of July, dear readers!
Same to you and yours! Love Kenyon! find it curious it has a Red Wing Ave.! And Morristown, folks and me never missed, Dad’s 1924 emigration sponsor aunt’s family settled there and the wonderful church. When starting genealogy, I am one of the many that went looking for a “North” Morristown on a map…duh.
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
A great day to celebrate our Country. I feel fortunate to share the birthdate.
From your accounts, you had a lovely birthday, Ruth. Many more!
Thanks Audrey.
Same to you and yours! Love Kenyon! find it curious it has a Red Wing Ave.! And Morristown, folks and me never missed, Dad’s 1924 emigration sponsor aunt’s family settled there and the wonderful church. When starting genealogy, I am one of the many that went looking for a “North” Morristown on a map…duh.
Nope, no North Morristown on a map. We skipped yesterday’s celebration due to rain and what we expected would be soggy/muddy festival grounds.
Happy 4th!
Thank you, Rose. I hope yours was lovely. We didn’t do anything due to the rain.
Audrey, to you, yours, all your readers, Happy 4th of July and may the Blessings of God may we continue to thrive in his grace.
I appreciate your sweet words of blessing, Gunny.
Happy 4th of July to you as well.
Thank you!
audrey, this post gives me so much hope –
Thank you. Hope is a word I’m clinging to right now. It also happens to be one of my favorite words.
OMG – LOVE, LOVE the carved eagles! I have a carved pelican named Pete by my front door to welcome everyone into our home. Happy Day – ENJOY!
Those eagles were pretty impressive. I love that you have a carved pelican, with a name, welcoming visitors to your Florida home.