Happy Birthday United States of America. 
I’m sorry that I don’t have pictures of you as a baby,  your years growing up, or how you look today but somehow I couldn’t take the time and effort . 
Sixty some years ago you were something a child could accept and try to understand. 
The flags fluttering from the hood ornaments of the cars as they drove around.
Such pride was displayed by all. 
Parades in the small towns all over your great land.  Kids bikes had red, white, and blue crepe paper streaming from them.  Pets were dressed in the same colors and walked beside proud owners down the street.
High School bands played patriotic songs.  Scout troops, Military organizations, and politicians marched in long lines.  The bystanders watched, smiled and cheered each one. 
These thing still happen but you are older and tired like me.  So many things have lost their their true meaning and are now dulled by war, religious zeal, greed for power, and selfishness that I can’t see you shining like you used to.
But you are there somewhere and hopefully some of your honor and youth will be renewed to your former glory—-someday.  I hope I live to see it.