This is the winning essay for the July 4 contest sponsored by Annie’s Mailbox:

Happy Birthday America

By Maureen Green

Our strength is not bounded by gender. Define our roles, and we will defy your expectations.

Our opportunity is not bounded by circumstance. Challenge our limits, and we will prevail.

Our freedom is not bounded by laws. Prohibit our liberties, and we will overcome oppression.

Our faith is not bounded by steeples. Demolish our churches, and we will worship in a field.

Our hope is not bounded by Lady Liberty. Destroy her, and we will raise a new beacon of light.

Our charity is not bounded by resources. Apply for our aid, and we will sacrifice for our allies.

Our peace is not bounded by war. Attack our shores, and we will rebuild our enemy’s fallen cities.

Men and women will falter. America will live forever.