Dear America, 

I wanted to congratulate you on another birthday, and to wish you the best in the coming year. I know it’s been a challenging time over the past few years for you…but you made it! Here’s to another year of independence and solidarity!!

In case I’ve never told you in person, I appreciate everything about you, and I’m so thankful for all you’ve given me. I wouldn’t enjoy the same quality of life or the same freedoms if it wasn’t for you. I know you are constantly hearing complaints and grievances from some of you citizens, but this letter is about thanks, appreciation and empowerment. It wouldn’t be the same without you, and even those who complain enjoy the life and freedom you give them. If they lived somewhere else, those complaints and grievances would not end well…and they know it.

I wanted to tell you that I appreciate all you’ve gone through in the past few hundred years since your birth. I know it’s been a hard road, and you’ve seen much pain, bloodshed and horror. You’ve seen your own citizens fighting against one another. You’ve witnessed people fresh to your shores drive off, kill and compartmentalize native citizens. You’ve watched as the citizens and the government have fought against one another, and soldiers fighting for your freedom being spat on, shunned and mistreated upon their return home. I know you’ve watched all this, and I can only imagine the sadness it has given you. It’s been a long road to where we are today.

But the good outweighs the bad. There are so many good and positive things that have happened since your birth. So much invention, innovation and wonder. I know you must watch with a smile on your face as you see the amazing things coming from your citizens. If you read social media, you might be inclined to think it’s all negativity, but pay no mind to those people. Some people look for grievances, and no matter how “perfect” things are, they would find something to complain about. It’s just their nature. Some people aren’t happy unless they have a cause or issue to argue. Don‘t let that discourage you. You are a wonderful land, and an amazing nation to live and raise our children.

People have believed in you so fervently that they have fought and died to make you and keep you how you are. They have died so that their family, their children and their friends and fellow citizens can enjoy the same liberties and life they enjoyed. Rest easy knowing that we have your back, and we believe in you. Those of us who support and believe in you far outweigh those who do not, and we are far more powerful. Just know that we have your back, America,

We love you, we thank you, and here’s to another amazing year in the books!

Cheers!

-Z