A Japanese Cherry Blossom Tree was donated to the City of Franklin by the The Consulate-General of Japan in Nashville to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the gift of cherry blossom trees from the people of Japan to the people of the United States. The tree was planted in Pinkerton Park on March 23.
Japan donated 3,000 cherry blossom trees to the United States in 1912 in an effort to “bridge” the two countries and to improve relations. The trees were planted on the Tidal Basin in West Potomac Park in Washington, D.C. The trees have been a symbol of the continued close relationship between the two countries.
20 trees were donated by the The Consulate-General of Japan in Nashville and the Japan America Society of Tennessee to various locations in Tennessee. All of the trees were offspring of the Yoshino cherry trees in Washington. Franklin was chosen as one of the cities to receive these trees due to the City’s long-term friendship with the people of Japan.
“We are pleased to present a descendant of that cherry blossom tree to the City of Franklin,” says Consul-General Hiroshi Sato. “This community has a long history of welcoming Japanese businesses and families; so as we celebrate the Centennial of the Gift of Trees we are pleased that the City of Franklin will receive and nurture this Centennial Cherry Blossom Tree as the symbol of friendship for years to.”
“The cherry tree has become a symbol of friendship between the United States and Japan for over 100 years,” says Patricia Kriebel, president of Sister Cities of Franklin and Williamson County. “We’re thrilled they chose Franklin as one of only a few locations in the state to receive this wonderful gift.” Sister Cities of Franklin and Williamson County is a non-profit organization that works to build global relationships, to share cultural and educational experiences, and to inspire economic growth within the community. Current relationships include Carleton Place, Ontario, Canada and County Laois, Ireland.
Consul-General Sato will attend the City’s Arbor Day Celebration to officially present the tree. Arbor Day is scheduled for April 21st at 10 a.m. at Pinkerton Park. The cherry blossom tree is located in the park near the Sue Douglas Berry Memorial Pedestrian Bridge.
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