A Patriotic Lawn: A Benicia Couple's Unique Tribute to Independence Day

Benicia couple spray paints lawn like American flag in dramatic show of patriotism

Turning Grass into Glory: How One Family Painted Their Lawn as an American Flag to Celebrate Independence Day

A Benicia Couple’s Unique Tribute to Independence Day

In the charming town of Benicia, California, Erin McKay Schnell and her husband Jonathan found an extraordinary way to celebrate Independence Day in 2021: transforming their front lawn into a gigantic American flag. This remarkable project was a labor of love, dedication, and patriotism, resulting in a stunning display that captivated their community.

The Spark of Inspiration

Erin, a fifth-generation Benician and a U.S. Army veteran, has always felt a deep connection to her country and its symbols. After serving five years in the military, including deployments in Iraq, she wanted to create a powerful tribute to the nation she loves. Reflecting on the past year, where COVID-19 restrictions dampened traditional celebrations, Erin felt an even stronger desire to make this Independence Day special.

As she looked at her lawn one day, Erin noticed its flat, rectangular shape and saw an opportunity. What if, she thought, they could paint it to resemble the American flag? The idea quickly gained traction, and Erin and Jonathan enlisted the help of two friends to bring their vision to life.

The Creative Process

The project turned out to be more challenging than they had anticipated. “It took a little while and about four of us to do,” Erin admitted. On a hot, windy day in June, the group spent approximately seven hours spray-painting the lawn. They quickly realized they had underestimated the amount of paint needed, resulting in multiple trips to three different stores to buy every can of red, white, and blue marking paint they could find. In total, they used 40 cans to cover the grass with stars and stripes.

“It was expensive, it definitely wasn’t cheap,” Erin noted with a smile. However, the end result made all the effort worthwhile. The flag, now a local attraction, drew visitors who stopped by to take pictures, honk their horns in approval, and offer words of admiration. “People drive by, stop, get out, take pictures, it makes us very happy to see people enjoying it,” Erin said.

A Symbol of Resilience and Unity

For Erin and Jonathan, this project was more than just a decorative endeavor; it was a heartfelt expression of patriotism. “I just wanted to show a bit of patriotism since we weren’t able to last year due to COVID,” Erin explained. The couple’s porch and windows were also adorned with patriotic decorations, and their display was entered in the “Spirit of Benicia” contest. Yet, their primary motivation was to inspire others.

“Even though we can’t celebrate with fireworks and parades, go ahead and decorate your front yard and show some patriotism and bring a smile to people’s faces,” Erin urged. As many traditional Independence Day activities remained subdued, Erin and Jonathan’s display stood as a vibrant reminder of the holiday’s significance and a call to appreciate the freedoms we enjoy.

Looking Ahead

Benicia couple spray paints lawn like American flag in dramatic show of patriotism

The paint on the lawn will eventually fade, and the grass will grow and be mowed, but Erin and Jonathan are considering making this an annual tradition. They even contemplate creating similar displays for Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day, continuing to honor their love for their country throughout the year.

As the couple gazed upon their lawn from above, courtesy of the SkyFox helicopter, they couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. “I think it looks awesome, I didn’t expect it to look this good to be honest, so I was super-happy with how it turned out,” Erin enthused.

If you found yourself in Benicia in 2021, you could witness this patriotic masterpiece at 57 La Cruz Avenue. It served as a testament to the Schnell family’s dedication to their country and their community, reminding us all of the enduring spirit of Independence Day.

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