With a weed whacker in hand and a distinctly patriotic vision, an Alabama homeowner has turned his front yard into a tribute that could rival any Independence Day display in the country.
Ahead of this year’s Fourth of July celebrations, Ron Burkett set out to create a lawn design worthy of the United States’ 250th anniversary.
Drone footage of the Trussville, Alabama, property shows a dramatic bald eagle stretching its wings across the grass, a large-scale mural honoring 250 years since the nation’s founding.
Burkett used a drone, tennis balls, a long cord and wooden planks to map out the design, then carefully carved the image into his front lawn with a weed whacker.
“It’s not political, it’s American,” Burkett said of the project. “I wish we could celebrate our roots of basic American freedoms, and not get caught up in all this minutia of politics.”
The inspiration for the eagle came after Burkett traveled with his wife and friends to New Orleans for Sail250, an event celebrating America’s maritime heritage.
He came back to Alabama energized by the experience, and the ambitious yard tribute quickly took shape.
And while the intricate eagle and “USA 250” message are the centerpiece, they are not the only eye-catching features on Burkett’s property.
His driveway features an equally remarkable mural.
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Here’s the latest on America’s 250th Anniversary:
Last Fourth of July, Burkett transformed his driveway into a patriotic canvas, using a power washer to create a striking portrait of the Statue of Liberty flanked by US Air Force fighter jets.
Nearly a year later, the artwork remains so sharp and detailed that it looks freshly sketched.
The impressive mural has become a neighborhood attraction in Trussville, but its days are numbered. Burkett has no plans to preserve the artwork.
Instead, he’ll let the grass grow and allow nature to reclaim the canvas until inspiration strikes again.
For Burkett, the mural is about being an American, and a proud one at that.
The uniquely American lawn display, created in honor of America’s 250th birthday, may not be fully recognizable from the street.
From above, where an eagle would soar, the precision and attention to detail becomes apparent, with each feather fitting perfectly within the plot of grass.
When asked what his favorite thing about being an American was, Burkett’s answer reflected the spirit behind his patriotic display.
“The freedoms that we have, and the right to participate in governing our country through voting,” Burkett said.
