Wishing Tree

Found in cultures around world as an object of hope and where offerings — created by writing, drawing, or otherwise communicating ones wishes onto notes, ribbons, tokens, or vows —  are attached to the branches as a community project for meditation and expressing hope.

In some parts of the world, they are seasonal to celebrate the spring as the weather warms and life flourishes. In other parts of the world, they are created to commemorate events.

Trees are a common, universal symbol of life, strength, and longevity and are known for the ability to adapt and survive, often while making everything near them flourish.

As America celebrates the semiquincentennial, this is the perfect time to reflect on our nation’s history and ask our neighbors to write down their ideas about “What is My America” onto the tags at our events in May and June so that we can display them on a tree in the community during the days leading up to July 4, 2026.

If you’re not able to write your wish on a ribbon or tag in person at one of our events, you can always submit one to us online via our Contact Us page. While the form requires your name and email address to work, your wishes will be anonymous on the ribbons and tags.