The annual National Cherry Blossom Festival officially kicks off this week in Washington D.C.
In 1912, the Mayor of Tokyo, Yukio Ozaki, gave a gift of 3,000 cherry trees to strengthen the friendship of the United States and Japan.
Cherry blossoms are seen near the Washington Monument on the National Mall in Washington on March 29, 2008. The annual National Cherry Blossom Festival officially kicks off on today. In 1912, the Mayor of Tokyo, Yukio Ozaki, gave a gift of 3,000 cherry trees to strengthen the friendship of the United States and Japan. (UPI Photo/Alexis C. Glenn)
