Hello, Reader.

Watching Saturday night's fireworks with the national coverage on in the background, my mind drifted back to another celebration, one where the guest of honor got her own cake and a crowd gathered to celebrate a panda’s birthday.

If you’ve been with us for a while, you might recall late last summer when we talked about plans to visit Washington, D.C., and attend Qing Bao’s birthday party at the National Zoo. If not, I can’t wait to bring a smile to your day as I tell you about it all these months later.

You might be asking, “Why is a panda’s birthday last summer relevant today?”

Well… It all has to do with what makes travel so special. It connects us to a place, in the moment and for years to come. Qing Bao’s birthday gave us a reason to visit the National Zoo and now, 10 months later, watching the crowd gathered on the National Mall to celebrate America’s 250^th anniversary took me back to the days we spent walking up and down The Mall, soaking up the history and patriotism inherent in a visit to our nation’s capital.

A treasured memory

As we were planning our trip last summer, I was wondering how seeing Washington, D.C., today would compare to how I remember it from my visit as a teenager. My favorite memory from that trip was standing at the base of the Lincoln Memorial, looking up with awe. More than four decades later, I still felt that same sense of pride as I gazed up into the face of our nation’s 16^th president.

And what about the panda’s party?

How could we be anything but charmed by such a show? The four-year-old giant panda enjoyed her birthday treats in front of a crowd that was equally delighted by the experience. And the National Zoo is hands-down one of the most beautiful zoos I've walked through. The winding paths lined with trees invited visitors to wander, despite the hot summer day.

A wish, discovered at the base of a monument

Between the zoo and the memorials, we found ourselves walking the length of the Mall after dark, where the Washington Monument stood lit against the sky, its reflection stretching perfectly across the pool below.

It was at the Washington Monument that we came across a quote from George Washington himself, written in a letter more than two centuries ago: his wish to see "the whole world in peace, and the inhabitants of it as one band of brothers." Reminiscing on our nation's birthday, I can't help but think about how much that hope still shapes what we stand for today.

Every day is a Salute to America in our nation’s capital

A significant focus of the Salute to America 250 celebration was rightfully placed on our armed forces. I loved how the presentation walked us through the trials of 250 years, acknowledging veterans from throughout our history.

As I watched WWII, Korean and Vietnam War veterans honored, I thought back to the nights we spent wandering through the war memorials at the west end of the National Mall.

We ended up seeing most of the war memorials after dark and honestly, I think that added something special to the experience. There's something ethereal about the WWII and Korean War Memorials specifically at night. They are quieter and more reflective.

Some things stay with you

Ten months later, a panda's birthday and a president's wish for peace still live side by side in my memory; a reminder that the smallest reasons to travel can lead to the moments that stay with us the longest.

Watching Saturday night's celebration, I found myself grateful for that trip all over again. Not just for what we saw, but for how it made this year's Fourth of July feel a little different, a little more connected.

Is there a trip that keeps resurfacing for you, sparked by something as unexpected as fireworks or a birthday party? Hit reply and tell us about it. We'd love to hear your story. 🤍

Until next week...

With love,

This email may contain affiliate links for products or services we use and recommend. If you make a purchase using one of these links, Wander for Days may receive compensation at no extra cost to you.