A ‘wishing tree’ carries residents’ hopes for the country’s future
“Equal rights for all.”
“Wisdom and integrity for our leadership.”
“Kindness.”
“Everyone is treated with love and respect.”
“Guided by empathy.”
“To be more eco-friendly toward nature.”
“Lower living expenses.”
“Diversity makes us stronger.”
“Individual freedoms.”
“Healthcare for all.”
“The country continues to prosper with dignity.”
“Democracy!”
These are some of the hopes for America that local residents wrote on ribbons hung on a “wishing tree.”
The project was hosted by the Mason District Arts Council as part of its Mason Arts 250 commemoration of the nation’s 250th birthday.
Related story: Mason District Arts Council brings history to life
During several recent Mason Arts 250 events, Erin McVadon Albright asked people to write a short phrase on, “what is your vision for the future of the country?”
On Saturday, June 27, during the DMV Asian Night Market in Annandale, Albright and other volunteers hung the red, white, and blue ribbons on a tree at the entrance to the Eileen Garnett Civic Space at 7200 Columbia Pike.
“The Founding Fathers imagined something that was not there,” Albright said. “Our heritage is about imagining. We want people to think about where this country could be in the future.”
Related story: Asian Night Market draws crowds to Annandale
“So many people are mired in despair about what is being lost,” she said. But things can change, beginning at the local level.
“Trust and community building are happening in Annandale. One example is the DMV night market. We want to build on that spirit, that feeling of community,” Albright said. “That’s at the heart of a functioning democracy.”
Another Mason Arts 250 project was also carried out during the Asian Night Market: Community members worked on a mural with a Statue of Liberty theme designed by Omaid Sharifi of ArtLords. The mural will be displayed next week on the fencing at the Eastgate apartments under construction on John Marr Drive.
Very cool. Reminiscent of Tanabata in Japan (Celebrated on July 7th!) or Qixi
Interesting. You guys are tying bumper stickers on trees while we’re at work earning our keep and paying taxes.
You work on a Saturday? What are you, the free time police?
Yes and just joking. We could all have such a tree.
Here’re some more:
Who has time to do this?
Free markets not free stuff
I won’t let you freeze nor starve, but I won’t let you sit on your backside either.
Just why exactly are you entitled to my money?
Equal opportunity but the results are on you.
Can’t guarantee you’ll succeed but your kids may.
I’m affluent but it took me and prior generations to achieve it.
Healthcare for all (that earn it).
Work hard, earn what you need.
I empathize. I sympathize. Now, get back to work.
Obey the laws of my country and I’ll welcome you.
Bad things happen when you break the law.
I’m the descendant of legal immigrants.
Science is real. Biology for example.
Strong security is essential for fair elections.
Secure your home. Secure your car. Secure your computer. Now, secure your elections.
The lefties are playing you.
I agree, free speech. For all of us.
One job doesn’t pay enough? Work two.
You owe Elon a debt of gratitude for exposing government censorship.
I don’t care if you’re kind. I do care if you’re dishonest. Or a lawbreaker.
Yours are much more original and appropriate than the tired leftist bumper stickers in the article. They wouldn’t allow your contributions.
Free speech, as long as it’s left-wing.