Remarks for Cherry Tree Planting for Gentry Davis, National Park Service December 16, 2004

Remarks for Cherry Tree Planting for Gentry Davis, National Park Service

December 16, 2004

By Glenn Eugster

I came to NCR in January 1999 and one of the most fascinating aspects of working here was the opportunity to see the arrival of spring.  Not just the birds and the Cherry blossoms but the "story behind the scenery"--the men and women who work for the parks and the region preparing for the arrival of spring and the people that come to Washington to celebrate it.  Each and every day seemed to be a sort of time-lapse photography that showed changes to trees, srubs, turf and flowers, but also the increasing activity of park management.

In 1947 Louis Halle wrote "Spring in Washington" a book about the process of rebrith in Washington each spring.   In the book Halle wrote, "If you observe the progress of the seasons carefully you will find them all present the year around".  

Today we would like to recognize Gentry Davis's contributions to Washington's celebration of spring.  Gentry has helped create and sustain the NPS Cherry Tree Replacement Fund and the National Cherry Blossom Festival.  Day-in, day-out, he is a part of the story behind the scenery--one of the people that works all year long to sustain the Cherry tree grove that surrounds the Tidal Basin and within East and West Potomac Park for residents and visitors to enjoy.

Mr. Davis's endurance and encouragement have contributed to sustaining the quality of our national parks and the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival.