![First Lady Michelle Obama participates in a centennial tree planting ceremony during the National Cherry Blossom Festival at the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C., March 27, 2012. [Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson]](http://blogs.state.gov/images/Dipnote/behind_the_scenes/2012_0328_flotus_cherry_blossoms_m.jpg)
About the Author: Ambassador J. Adam Ereli serves as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
One hundred years have passed since the first two cherry blossom trees were planted around Washington, D.C.’s Tidal Basin as a token of friendship between United States and the Japan. Despite the cold weather yesterday, I watched a historic event unfold as First Lady Michelle Obama participated in a commemorative tree planting to mark this centennial milestone.
A century ago, First Lady Helen Taft and the wife of Japan’s Ambassador, Viscountess Chinda, planted the first two trees in Washington — a gift of Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo — and the beautiful blooms still honor all that they stand for. For so many years, these trees have stood as a symbol of… more »
