Patriotism comes forth
Signs of patriotism can be seen everywhere in Brainerd.
Following Tuesday's terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City and on the Pentagon building in Washington, D.C., American flags across the country have been at half-staff.
Brainerd-Baxter residents, as with many Americans, have also expressed their patriotism with flags on houses and in office buildings and messages on windows.
At Riverside Elementary School in Brainerd, students spent the day learning about patriotism. Students were asked to wear red, white and blue clothing. The American Legion donated 600 flag pins for students to wear on their shirts and each class spent the day writing about why they love the United States or coloring a flag.
"We wanted to be more positive," in the wake of the tragedy, said Judy Kringen, media secretary at Riverside. "We wanted to reinforce patriotism."
At Brainerd High School, several cars had "God Bless America" written in the rear windows, and several other vehicles displayed flags, some at half-staff on radio antenna.
Several businesses and many residents in the cities flew flags in their windows and from porches.
At a southeast Brainerd home a large American flag was made out of Christmas lights.
Red, white and blue ribbons were being distributed this morning at The Dispatch nearly as fast as the ribbons could be cut.
The ribbons are being distributed free at The Dispatch, Brainerd Community Action, Ivy Room and Lakes Area Senior Activity Center.