Dear America
Written by Iris Flores
Original Illustration, Israel Flores 2025
“Freedom is a fragile thing and is never more than one generation away from extinction. It is not ours by inheritance; it must be fought for and defended constantly by each generation, for it comes only once to a people. Those who have known freedom, and then lost it, have never known it again.”
Dear America,
I wasn't born within your borders, but I worked hard to become a citizen of your country. I'm not a natural-born citizen, but many years later, I was sworn in and took the oath of allegiance to your flag.
I have loved this country and everything it stands for, ever since I was young. I see the flag, with its red, white, and blue, and I see the hope Francis Scott Key felt when he penned "The Star Spangled Banner." I see the hope it brought to those whose freedom lay in the balance during the Civil War.
I see the hope and relief it brought to those who were victims of the Holocaust. I see the dread it brought to those who "awakened the sleeping giant." I see the beacon of hope it stands for, for so many around the world. I see the unity it brought when, on 9/11, terrorists murdered thousands of innocent people. I see the friend of Israel; therefore, I see God's grace upon it as He said: "I will bless those that bless you..." I see FREEDOM.
The freedom to assemble and to serve our God. I see the freedom to live our lives the way we see fit. I see the blessing my children have by being born in this country. I will strive to raise children who understand that, like Ronald Reagan said, "Freedom is a fragile thing and is never more than one generation away from extinction. It is not ours by inheritance; it must be fought for and defended constantly by each generation, for it comes only once to a people. Those who have known freedom, and then lost it, have never known it again."
America, I understand you are not perfect. I understand that you have many flaws, but I am not ashamed to say, "I am an American." So, Happy Birthday America! May God continue to Bless You and Preserve You for many generations to come.