A new tradition was born at the President Taft graveside in Arlington Cemetery.

A distinguished Japanese goodwill delegation expressed their gratitude and honored the Taft family and by simply planting an American Dogwood tree.

This event was made possible by the Gakufu-kia foundation and the National Cherry Blossom Festival Inc.. The Gakufu-kia foundation’s mission is to commemorate the spirit and the many achievements of the late Mayor Yukio Ozaki (Ozaki Gakudo). In 1912, Mayor Ozaki presented 3000 cherry tree seedlings to President Taft with the intention of strengthening the friendship between Japan and the United States.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival Inc., is an umbrella organization of business leaders, civic groups, and government, that coordinates the two-week event.

This ceremonial planting will further empower the friendship between our two countries with its annual blossoms.