Cherry tree donation from the Town of Ohno, Japan

July 13, 2006

Dear Ms. Mainella,

It is my honor to inform you that the Town of Ohno, with the support of Gifu prefecture, would like to donate [---insert number of trees----] Ibinido Cherry trees to the National Park Service to serve as a living symbol of the friendship between Japan and the United States.  It is a great pleasure for us, the people of Ohno, to continue the tradition of tree donation between our countries that was started in 1912, with additional donations from Japan in 1965 and 1999. We hope that this tradition will continue to stand as a symbol of friendship and goodwill between our countries.

The Ibinido is one of three species of cherry trees classified as Japan National Treasures.  They are unique because they blossom twice.  Once a bud has bloomed and withered away, the same bud produces another blossom.

Whether as a special grove, or interspersed among the existing trees around the Tidal Basin, or on other public parkland in the City, I think that the Ibinido trees would be a beautiful addition to the landscape so cherished by Festival participants.

We sincerely hope that you will work with us and the other organizations involved to continue this wonderful tradition of giving Cherry trees to sustain the friendship between our two countries. I look forward to your reply　so that we may proceed with arrangements for the donation, tree planting ceremony and public awareness campaign.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mr./ Ms.           , a member of my staff. Thank you for your generous consideration. 

Sincerely,

Shigeru Sugiyama

Mayor for Town of Ohno

Ms. Fran Mainella

Director

National Park Service

1849 C. Street, NW

Washington, D.C.  20240-0001