St. JOHNSBURY — FEBRUARY 12, 2026—for Valentine’s Day, friends of the Wandering Vine on Railroad Street invited the community to step away from traditional romantic gestures and participate in a collective expression of affection: “Love Letters to America.” The interactive art event took place over the course of 3 community events held at Wandering Vine on Railroad St. between February 6th -11th. Inspired by the need for connection, creative expression, unity, and reflection, this activity invited participants to craft written letters, poems, or notes addressing their hopes, concern, longing, or gratitude for America.
Many letters were mailed to our state and federal legislators while others were addressed to America and are now on display in the window at Wandering Vine. “As we navigate challenging times, we wanted to create a space that focuses on what brings us together,” said Ann Moore, a lead participant. “Just as people write letters to loved ones on Valentine’s Day, this event allowed the community to profess its unwavering love and commitment to America.”
Love Letters to America
Some of the Valentine’s messages included the following:
“Happy Valentine’s Day America,
I wish you all my love and I send light and warmth to grow your heart.”
“I am fighting for you. I am fighting for the truth. Happy Valentine’s Day”
“Dear America,
I rejoice in your beauty and cry for your pain. I still have hope and I’ll never give up.”
Dear America,
You are so beautiful to me.
Your skies so blue.
And lush green fields of flowers too.
Pops of color as far as the eye can see.
A diversity of wildlife you sustain.
Over mountains they fly,
under earth they lie.
I live to protect you from the vain.
You are my land, my home,
and I am happy to share you with
all the creatures that roam.
Yours truly,
Tara Lynn
