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Mustang house shows veteran’s patriotism

Kenneth Genzer Jr. at his Mustang home on W. Branches Way. The veteran decorates his home for the Fourth of July every year in hopes of showing the sacrifice made by many for their country. (Staff photo by Jon Watje)

Kenneth Genzer Jr. at his Mustang home on W. Branches Way. The veteran decorates his home for the Fourth of July every year in hopes of showing the sacrifice made by many for their country. (Staff photo by Jon Watje)

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By Jon Watje
Managing Editor

Most people associate the Fourth of July with fireworks, grilling, vacationing and other fun activities.

But for veterans like Mustang resident Kenneth Genzer Jr., the day has a much deeper meaning.

“When the Fourth comes around, people just want to watch fireworks and party, but I think it is important to understand the real meaning of the Fourth of July,” Genzer said.

Genze, 60, went into the Navy in 1989 with duties as a firefighter and master of arms officer. He retired from the Navy in 1993 and moved to Mustang 12 years ago.

“I am originally from Oklahoma City but I have a lot of family in the Mustang area,” he said.

After moving into his home on W. Branches Way, Genzer’s home shortly drew attention from neighbors and people passing by every Fourth of July season.

“Whenever the Fourth of July approaches, I decorate my home with dozens of flags and banners,” he said. “It is just something I have always done. This year I have about two dozen flags in the front yard and I recently added a car port to my home so I decided to put two large banners on it.”

It is not uncommon for people to stop and talk to Genzer about his home, which has become known as the most patriotic home in Mustang.

“I will have people stop by and tell me how neat it is,” he said. “I have had some veterans tell me how patriotic the house looks and I have even had kids who asked to take a flag with them. It makes me feel very good when people tell me those sort of things and I hope it makes people understand the real meaning of the Fourth. This party people are having wasn’t a gimmie, people died to be able to allow us what we have today, and I think it is very important for the younger people to know that.”

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