Friendship Blossoms

Every spring in Washington, D.C., the Annual Cherry Blossom Festival commemorates the friendship between the United States and Japan. The trees were a gift from the mayor of Tokyo in 1912.

Washington, D.C., 2016, Photo by Tara Lundmark

 The trees are a beautiful reminder of the story of two nations.

Washington, D.C., 2016, Photo by Tara Lundmark

 Spring blossoms are a symbol of spring and new life.

Washington, D.C., 2016, Photo by Tara Lundmark

The festival was suspended for a number of years during World War II when the U.S. and Japan fought on opposite sides of the war.

Washington, D.C., 2016, Photo by Tara Lundmark

But from the ashes of World War II, Japan and the U.S. renewed their friendship.

Washington, D.C., 2016, Photo by Tara Lundmark

And today the friendship between the countries blooms as beautifully as the trees in spring.

Washington, D.C., 2016, Photo by Tara Lundmark

The tender petals, full of hope, announce the arrival of warmer days. Though fragile and fleeting, their beauty lasts well beyond the season in the memory of those who knew their sweet, subtle fragrance. 

The smell of frienship.

Washington, D.C., 2016, Photo by Tara Lundmark