On my way to visit Alexandria, Minnesota I discovered a small town not far away: Long Prairie. I found it while looking for lodging for the night, as Alexandria was booked up. Wow. What a nice piece of living Americana.
First of all, I found a nice place in one of those classic motels of the early 50's-60's: the strip of rooms where you park right in front. It had been completely modernized with all the amenities a traveler today expects, including free wifi. Secondly, the lady at the desk recommended a very good Mom & Pop restaurant just down the road, that served me a delicious and hearty BLT sandwich with home-made cole slaw...as good as I can make.
Now, I didn't spend the time to explore the town of 3,400+ in great detail, but the town has a nice gun shop, rifle range, and even an authentic Drive-In movie theater. It also has the ubiquitous Minnesota outdoor hockey rink. It had everything else one might expect...even a local Amish community. It also had something I didn't expect...
...An honest to God, first rate Veterans Memorial. It was magnificent!
What can I say? Have a look.
There was all of that, including a bandstand, and other plaques to all veterans since WWII. That five story high mural & sculpture depicts Mount Suribachi storming on Iwo Jima. Right across the street was a VFW Hall...one of TWO for this tiny town. Old fashioned patriotism dwells here.
The folks there were very cordial and helpful. Almost like the mythical Mayberry, North Carolina. You won't see anything like this memorial on either coast, unless you are in a major urban center. "Flyover Country" indeed. This is the Heartland of America. I am glad to see it's roots are deep and healthy.
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