America The Beautiful is set the MATERNA tune. The text was written by Katherine L. Bates, (1859-1929). The music was written by Samuel A. Ward (1848-1903). The second verse of this hymn recognizes the struggle and the integrity it took to build a nation that is truly free. I love the petition, “God mend thine every flaw.” This petition could extend to the larger picture and can be way we can self-monitor ourselves. Wherever we are lacking, were ever we are flawed, wherever we have created wrinkles, God can iron them out if we put our trust in Him. God Bless America!....and all countries of the world!