Mike Straczuk’s patriotic Styro-foam cup display in his front yard fence has become, as one Vidalia resident told him, &uot;an institution.&uot;

Still, Mike and his wife Betty were pleasantly surprised when someone dropped off a carton full of cups at his door so he can continue the displays.

The only problem? They have no idea who left the gift.

&uot;Not many people would do something like that,&uot; Straczuk said.

The cups, which fit into the chain-link fence to form words and pictures, have been a part of the Straczuks’ yard display since Sept. 12, 2001.

Straczuk was inspired by the outpouring of patriotism in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks to create an American flag beside the letters &uot;USA&uot; on his fence. Straczuk is a Vietnam veteran, and his son served in the U.S. Marines.

Since then, the family has kept up the messages. The flag remains, but the words on the rest of the fence change with holidays and seasons. When members of the National Guard from Vidalia left for service in Iraq, Straczuk wished them luck.

When they returned, he offered a &uot;welcome home.&uot;

He did the same for troops in Natchez and has also offered birthday and holiday greetings over the past three years.

The current message &045; helped by the donation of new, bright white cups &045; says &uot;America vote Nov. 2.&uot;

The messages have received a lot of attention, with neighbors and other residents telling Straczuk they enjoyed the display. But passers-by on their way through town have been vocal, too.

&uot;I don’t know how many times an 18-wheeler will pull up,&uot; Straczuk said.

The drivers often honk or shout their approval. Some visitors even take photos of the display.

&uot;I was amazed,&uot; Straczuk said. &uot;We’ve got a good response. Because of this, I found out how much community spirit there is.&uot;