FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 29, 2012

CONTACT:
Melissa Figueroa (916) 653-4090
melissa.figueroa@scsa.ca.gov

Sacramento- State and Consumer Services Agency Secretary Anna Caballero joined Japan’s Consul General Hiroshi Inomata, today in Sacramento, for a commemorative tree planting to recognize the Centennial anniversary of Japan’s cherry blossom donation to the United States.

One hundred years ago the people of Japan gave 3,000 cherry blossom trees, a beloved symbol of Japan, to the United States as a gesture of goodwill.  The trees were planted in Washington, DC around the tidal basin, where they still blossom today.  The planting was part of First Lady Nellie Taft’s efforts to beautify the nation’s capital.  Together with the Statue of Liberty, the cherry blossom trees are the largest foreign gift ever made to the United States. 

To mark the centennial of their original gift, Japan has once again donated trees, this time around the nation. Three trees were given to the State of California as part of the celebration.

“The trees symbolize a continued commitment to the friendship between Japan and the United States, and between Japan and California,” said Consul General Hiroshi Inomata. “We are very happy to be able to share these trees with Sacramento and look forward to watching them grow.”

The trees were planted surrounding the Vietnam Memorial in Capitol Park by the Department of General Services.

“When we learned about this generous gift from Japan, we knew right away that Capitol Park was the place for the cherry trees,” said Secretary Caballero. “We look forward to seeing the trees grow and hope that tourists and Californians alike will enjoy their beautiful springtime blooms.”

For more information on Capitol Park visit: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=495