1 O beautiful for spacious skies,
for amber waves of grain;
for purple mountain majesties
above the fruited plain!
America! America! God shed his grace on thee,
and crown thy good with brotherhood
from sea to shining sea.
2 O beautiful for heroes proved
in liberating strife,
who more than self their country loved,
and mercy more than life!
America! America! May God thy gold refine,
till all success be nobleness,
and every gain divine.
3 O beautiful for patriot dream
that sees beyond the years
thine alabaster cities gleam,
undimmed by human tears!
America! America! God mend thine every flaw,
confirm thy soul in self-control,
thy liberty in law.
These words by Katharine Bates summarize the view of America as we studied in the fifties and sixties. Perhaps shse is tarnished a bit now, it seems. Our alabaster cities may be true only in heaven. Our flaws may be too massive to mend, yet when considering what that intrepid band of colonists faced, in perspective, their achievements and vision accomplished what has become The American Dream. So many from other nations, tongues, tribes, and language groups want to come to America because of their vision, and the efforts of so many to create independence of thought and action.
Just being able to get in a car and go wherever we wish is a blessing. Being able, as our family is doing, to change where we live without governmental regulation and permission is a blessing. And, this biggie: we are free to practice or not practice our religion and even discuss our religious persuasion is a blessing.
Once the hoopla of exploding fireworks is over, we today should be remembering those who fought, sacrificed, died, and thought it all a privilege should be thanked for their noble achievements. As a society, we are recognizing diversity and honoring those whose sole purpose right now is calling attention to the flaws we need to mend. Yet, isn’t their call for change exactly what the founding fathers envisioned?
Yes, I am privileged to have been born and raised in this country, and taught America’s children to value each other and to be grateful for the opportunities America has offered. And, yes, I honor the founding fathers and mothers who risked everything for the vision they upheld against seemingly huge obstacles, so that I can say, “God, Bless America” 
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