HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY, everyone!
In the spirit of the day, the sign I carried at today’s protest in Faribault focused on one simple message: loving each other.
I could have crafted a sign about a hundred different issues that concern me right now in this country. But I decided instead to keep my message universal.
However, look closely and you will see that the hands I cut from construction paper are black and brown. That was intentional, representing the Hispanics, Latinos and Somalis who live in my community. Many have been racially-profiled by ICE, stopped, questioned. Doesn’t matter your immigration and/or citizenship status. If you’re black or brown, you likely will be stopped. I have no idea how many in Faribault have been disappeared by ICE, but certainly too many.
Back to my sign. I held it proudly at the hour-long protest along Minnesota State Highway 60 by the Rice County government services building. Today brought another 75 or so protesters, including many newbies, to line the block. I pulled signs I’d placed in the back of the van to share with three people who showed up without signs.
If honks and waves are a poll of public opinion, well the reaction from passing motorists has been overwhelmingly supportive of protesters.
It’s OK to disagree with us. But when people start yelling profanities, drive by at a dangerously high rate of speed, “roll coal” and/or give us the middle finger, I have to wonder why they feel so compelled to project such hate.
My message today was all about love. Simple, universal, and perfect for Valentine’s Day. Just love one another.
© Copyright 2026 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Amen Audrey – just love one another! 💞💞 Love your sign. Happy Valentine’s Day!!
Happy Valentine’s Day to you also, Rose! I just had to create a loving message for my protest sign today.
Oh, Audrey, I love the way you think, and I think it is so good and so important that you share these thoughts in your blog as a reminder to all of us what we should focus on. Thank you again for making me think. We have to keep helping each other see what is right and good in our world!
Today was the right day to hold a sign like this. Next week I’ll probably have something different, more directed at issues of concern.
perfect sign and glad your group is growing with your message. there are always some negative people and I always wonder why they bother using their time and energy that way. my car has grown to have a variety of signs over time and sometimes it’s nice to have a positive message of support and caring, it’s very important to not lose sight of what we’re seeking. a wonderful way to spend Valentine’s Day.
Thank you, as always, Beth, for your encouraging comment.
Thank you and much love to you.
Thank you, Ken. And love to you also! Happy Valentine’s Day.
Well said. Happy “belated” Valentine’s Day.
Thank you, Valerie. I now have my Valentine’s Day protest sign in my front picture window.
Bless you , Audrey for standing up. A brave thing to do in today’s world. ❤ ❤ ❤
I’ve protested so many times in 2025 and 2026 that I no longer consider it brave, but rather necessary. I cannot remain silent.
Stay safe, God Bless You.
Thank you, Penny.