First Lady Michelle Obama participates in Tree Planting Ceremony

On the 100th anniversary of the gift of trees from Tokyo to Washington, DC, First Lady Michelle Obama joined the Festival and dignitaries to plant a single tree was planted in West Potomac Park adjacent to the Tidal Basin. While commemorating the centennial, the ceremony also symbolized the longevity of the original gift and the millions who will continue to enjoy the nation’s greatest springtime celebration in Washington, DC.

Along with Mrs. Obama, participants in the ceremony included Ken Salazar, Secretary of the US Department of the Interior; Ichiro Fujisaki, Ambassador of Japan to the United States and Mrs. Yoriko  Fujisaki; Susan Norton, Chair of the National Cherry Blossom Festival Board of Directors; and Diana Mayhew, President of the National Cherry Blossom Festival.  They were joined by Fujiko Hara, granddaughter of Mayor Ozaki and William H. Taft, IV, great-grandson of President and Mrs. Taft – descendents of those involved in the original gift.