LOS ANGELES, Calif. — What do Americans hope the country will look like in the future?
At the Japanese American National Museum, visitors of all ages were invited to answer that question by sharing their wishes for America ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
The activation is part of a nationwide effort led by Made By Us and the New-York Historical Society, encouraging people—especially young people—to reflect on the country’s past and imagine its future.
“The project is actually a part of national activations happening across the country where we’re asking young people specifically, but anyone of all ages, what their wish for America is for the 250th,” said Sophia Alvarez, a Youth250 Bureau member and Program Coordinator at Japanese American National Museum.
Alvarez represented the initiative at the museum, where visitors filled out colorful cards expressing their hopes for the nation.
“My wish for America: to learn from the past, make progress towards a safe and inclusive future,” one participant wrote.
Others shared simple but powerful aspirations.
“Freedom and peace and love for all.”
“I wish for health.”
“Love for everyone.”
Many focused on the nation’s founding ideals and the desire to see them applied more broadly.
“I wish the U.S. will follow the principles that our nation was built upon for all,” one visitor wrote.
Another added, “I wish for liberty, justice, healthcare, education, safety, and justice for all.”
The display also highlighted concerns about economic challenges facing many Americans.
“Bring down inflation to make things more affordable for people who are struggling,” one participant wrote.
Others emphasized diversity and belonging.
“I wish for all cultures to be welcome and celebrated equally,” another visitor shared.
Children contributed their own heartfelt messages. One note addressed directly to the country read:
“Dear America, I hope you stay healthy for eternity and live a good life.”
The project extends beyond the museum walls through a digital platform, where people across the country can submit their wishes online at OnOur250th.org.
For many participants, the exercise was about more than simply sharing hopes—it was about encouraging civic engagement and helping young people understand their role in shaping the nation’s future.
“My wish for America is to help people in need and to help make the world a better place—not just in America, but globally,” one participant said.
Alvarez believes that empowering young people is one of the initiative’s most important goals.
“I think the priority of this is, again, like I said, we’re asking people of all ages, but primarily young people because they’re going to be the ones who are leaders of this country in 5, 10, 15, 20 years,” she said.
“And so we want young people to start realizing, ‘Hey, you have a right and responsibility to be helping, be out in the communities, to shape the America you want to see.’”
As America celebrates 250th in 2026, organizers hope the growing collection of wishes will serve as both a reflection of the nation today and a roadmap for the future Americans hope to build together.
