Patricia Himel and Laurel Perusa, both descendants of early American settlers, launched the 'America the Beautiful' project in 2011 to celebrate Independence Day in Saratoga. Himel, a retired nurse, and Perusa, a retired teacher, value the holiday as a tribute to their nation's heritage and the sacrifices made by their forebears. Their project features decorations along Big Basin Way, including a flag created by a visiting artist and patriotically themed windsocks. Himel has a particular interest in historical American flags, highlighting flags with fewer than 50 stars that reflect significant moments in U.S. history.
For me, Fourth of July is about our heritage, our history—all the people who have made our country strong—and hopes for our future.
We grew up loving our country, and this is our way of showing it and hoping that we can bring other people from other countries the knowledge and joy of this one.
The 'America the Beautiful' project stretches down Big Basin Way every year, featuring decorated buildings that celebrate Independence Day.
Himel has a passion for American flags, specifically those that don't have all 50 stars. She identified flags with only 35 stars that represent historical significance.
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