2005 Lantern Lighting

Remarks by Assistant Regional Director Glenn Eugster for the Lighting of the Japanese Stone Lantern at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, April 3, 2005 at the Tidal Basin, West Potomac Park.


KONNICHI-WA

Good Afternoon…

I am Glenn Eugster, Assistant Regional Director of the National Capital Region, National Park Service. On behalf of the National Park Service, welcome to the Tidal Basin and the Lighting of the Japanese Stone Lantern.

This site, where we stand this afternoon, maintained by the National Park Service is the site where the first two cherry trees were planted, commemorating the 1912 gift to Washington, DC from Japan. This year marks the 93rd anniversary of Cherry Blossom trees in Washington.


The Lantern Lighting Ceremony is the symbolic start of spring in the Greater Washington metropolitan region, highlighting the cultural connection between Japan and the United States. Today, we honor the first official lighting of the stone lantern, which took place in Tokyo, in 1651, celebrating 354-years. We are also here to honor the gift of that 8½-foot tall 2-ton, stone lantern to the city of Washington, given by the Japanese Ambassador in 1954.

Since 1954 the National Park Service has jointly sponsored this ceremony with the National Conference of State Societies. While the beauty of the blossoms has never disappointed us, sometimes the weather will surprise us causing early or later arrivals of the blossoms. But, when they do arrive, they are always a joy to see and a reminder of the very special and important partnership between Japan and the United States of America.

Today there are over 3,700 flowering cherry trees that grace the Tidal Basin and grounds within this portion of the National Mall and Memorial Parks .

In the last few years four hundred trees have been propogated from the surviving trees given to us in 1912 by Japan. They were planted to ensure that the genetic lineage of the original trees is preserved.

The talented and dedicated Tree Crew of the National Mall and Memorial Parks cares for the trees and prunes them daily during the winter to make sure they are ready for all of us to enjoy at springtime.

We are committed to sustaining the historic grove of Cherry trees as well as our partnership with Japan. The spirit of friendship and esteem which prompted the gift can endure and unite our nations forever.

Symbolically, the lighting today of the 354-year old Stone Lantern--signifies the warmth of friendship now existing between the United States and Japan. May the spirit of this occasion live on for many years to come.

ARIGATO…
Thank you…


2005 Lantern Lighting/Glenn Eugster/Toni Braxton