Washington, D.C.’s Japanese Cherry Trees - This Day in History – Mar 27th

Back in 1912, the U.S.’ first lady Helen Taft, joined the Japanese ambassador’s wife, Viscountess Chinda in a ceremonial planting of two Yoshina Cherry Trees along the northern bank of the Potomac River.  A total of 3,020 cherry trees were given as a gift to the U.S and planted in two areas: East Potomac Park and the Whitehouse fairgrounds.  This simple gesture created the future beautiful display of National Cherry Blossom Festival that is held annual in Washington, D.C.

According to history.com, “The planting of Japanese cherry trees along the Potomac was first proposed by socialite Eliza Scidmore, who raised money for the endeavor. Helen Taft had lived in Japan while her husband was president of the Philippine Commission, and knowing the beauty of cherry blossoms she embraced Scidmore's idea. After learning of the first lady's interest, the Japanese consul in New York suggested making a gift of the trees to the U.S. government from the city of Tokyo. The blossoming trees proved immediately popular with visitors to Washington's Mall area, and in 1934 city commissioners sponsored a three-day celebration of the late March blossoming of the trees, which grew into the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. After World War II, cuttings from Washington's cherry trees were sent back to Japan to restore the Tokyo collection that was decimated by American bombing attacks during the war.”

Special Note:  The Natioanl Cherry Blossom Fesitival is celebrating its 100th Anniversary with special events here.

All History facts provided from the link below:

http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/tv-marti-begins-broadcasting-to-cuba?catId=3