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.

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