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My country, sweetest home I’ve come to know,
Your wings have sheltered me, a foreigner.
I came to you a migrant as a boy,
Without the blessing of your government.
But still you loved me, educated me,
Prepared me for the tasks I bear today.
America, I praise your bravery.
America, I praise your liberty.
Your generosity is sought by all.
I may not ever be a citizen,
And Providence may take me from your nest,
But I’ll remain the son of fifty stars,
Forever singing of my sweetest home.
America, I sing this song for you.
Your creed is like the highest peak on earth;
It points above and looks upon the land.
Your people drink the water from its springs,
Then come to know the depths of its ideals.
Your history is mighty for your age,
Matured by sacrifices made in war.
At times, a violent fire scorched your wings,
Old glory’s seams were torn before the world,
And rain fell from the eyes of everyone.
But honor raised your head, like hopeful dawn.
You struck your enemies decisively
And cast away from sight their hopeless plans.
You aid the poor, you shield the vulnerable.
The persecuted seek your wings for shade.
My country, I could sing of your success
Until my throat is drained of melodies.
The virtue gained in praising you is great,
Especially today when lies run deep,
And some among us turn away from you.
America, I praise your bravery.
America, I praise your liberty.
Your generosity is sought by all.
You multiply my opportunities,
Protect my choice in politics and faith,
And ease my burdens as a guardian.
This is your semiquincentennial,
And I, your son, a foreigner, must rise.
May Heaven make your years surpass the stars.
Miguel Moreno is a TV producer and news writer in New York City.
