Lantern Lighting Ceremony
Every year a 350-year-old stone lantern is lit in the Thomas Jefferson Tidal Basin. This formal ceremony commemorates the 1912 gift to Washington D.C. of 3000 cherry trees from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to enhance the growing friendship between the United States and Japan. The event includes traditional Japanese performers, Washington dignitaries and the 70 Cherry Blossom princesses representing states, territories, and embassies. The lighting ceremony is held at the site of the first two cherry trees planted by Mrs. William Howard Taft and Viscountess Chinda in 1912. The Lantern ceremony is don't miss! Special thanks to Mark Rhoads of the National Conference of State Societies for his help with this gallery.
Location : Tidal Basin at Independence Ave. and 17 th St., SW.
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National Anthem
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Chaplain for the U.S. House of Representatives Rev. Daniel P. Coughlin gives the openning prayer.
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National Cherry Blossom Princesses bow their heads during the openning prayer.
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National Park Service Deputy Director for the Mall and Monuments Steve Lorenzetti addresses the audience.
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Mrs. Kyoko Okamoto Sansei
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NCBF Goodwill Ambassador Lauren Bennett addresses the audience.
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Chief Three Feathers Kazemi Windsong band of the Cherokee Nation.
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Mayor Anthony Williams
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Mayor Williams shares a joke with the Ambassador and Congressman.
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Mayor Williams
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2005-2006 Queen Teresa Sablan from Guam
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Florida Cherry Blossom Princess, Rhea Chiles
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Guam Cherry Blossom Princess - Julie Schwab
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Maryland Cherry Blossom Princess -Kimberly Boukal
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Ambassador Ryozo Kato Addresses the audience.
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