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Cherry Blossoms: The White House Celebrates a Washington Tradition

Gallery

  • Cherry Blossom Gallery - Photo 1

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    In October 1934, a young Lyndon Baines Johnson, working as an aide to Texas Congressman Richard M. Kleberg in Washington, D.C., sent this postcard of the Lincoln Memorial surrounded by cherry blossoms to his soon to be wife Claudia Alta “Lady Bird” Taylor in Karnack, Texas.

    Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library and Museum /NARA
  • First Lady Lady Bird Johnson Plants a Cherry Blossom Tree

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    On April 6, 1965, First Lady Lady Bird Johnson planted a new cherry tree at the Tidal Basin while Mrs. Ryuji Takeuchi, the wife of the Japanese ambassador, planted a second tree. Mrs. Johnson told those assembled, “Cherry trees . . . are an unforgettable part of everyone’s picture of Washington.”

    Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library and Museum/NARA
  • President and Mrs. Nixon Stroll Among the Cherry Blossoms

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    President Richard M. Nixon and First Lady Patricia Nixon walking among the cherry trees along the Tidal Basin on April 14, 1969.

    Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum/NARA
  • Tricia Nixon with the Cherry Blossom Princesses 

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    In this photo, Tricia Nixon, daughter of President Richard Nixon and First Lady Patricia Nixon, meets with the 1970 Cherry Blossom Queen contestants on the South Portico of the White House. During the 1970 Cherry Blossom festivities, Mrs. Nixon was caught in a traffic jam during the annual parade, commenting later, “I had my own parade and loved it. . . The Cherry Blossom Queen princesses waved and blew kisses. It was a treat.”

    Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum/NARA
  • First Lady Betty Ford Greets the Cherry Blossom Princesses

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    On April 7, 1976, the Cherry Blossom Princesses gathered to sing “Happy Birthday” to First Lady Betty Ford, albeit one day early. Later that day, the Fords celebrated with a small birthday dinner.

    Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum/NARA
  • President Jimmy Carter with the Cherry Blossom Princesses 

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    On April 5, 1979, President Jimmy Carter greeted the Cherry Blossom Princesses in the White House Rose Garden. Two years earlier, he commented on the significance of the Cherry Blossom Festival: “This is a good occasion for us also to remember our friends overseas. Prime Minister Fukuda was in town just recently. And just the fact that the cherry blossoms bloom every year is a true indication of friendship that exists not only among our own people but with our friends in Japan.”

    Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum/NARA
  • President Ronald Reagan with the Cherry Blossom Princesses 

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    On April 2, 1984, the Cherry Blossom Princesses went on a tour of the White House. In the White House Rose Garden, the Japanese Cherry Blossom Queen, Etsuko Kobayashi, joined the American contestants. President Ronald Reagan told those assembled, “You’re a sure sign of spring; the arrival of the princesses here makes that positive. The festival symbolizes the spirit of friendship between the United States and Japan, as well as the beginning of spring . . . And as I said, this is a longtime event here. You're, all of you, most welcome, and I can assure you that after the winter we've had, believe me, if you're bringing spring, you are welcome.”

    Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum/NARA
  • President Ronald Reagan with the Cherry Blossom Princesses 

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    President Ronald Reagan meets with the 1984 Cherry Blossom Princesses in the White House Rose Garden.

    Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum/NARA
  • President and Mrs. Bush Enjoy the Cherry Blossoms

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    This photograph is of President George H. W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush enjoying the cherry blossoms planted along the Tidal Basin on April 8, 1992.

    George Bush Presidential Library and Museum/NARA
  • First Lady Hillary Clinton Opens the 1997 Cherry Blossom Festival 

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    First Lady Hillary Clinton speaks at the opening of the 1997 Cherry Blossom Festival.

    William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum/NARA
  • First Lady Laura Bush Poses with the Cherry Blossom Princesses

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    First Lady Laura Bush poses with Cherry Blossom Princesses and the Goodwill Ambassadors in the East Room of the White House on March 31, 2004.

    George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum/NARA
  • First Lady Michelle Obama Plants a Cherry Blossom Tree

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    This photograph is of First Lady Michelle Obama participating in a centennial tree planting ceremony during the National Cherry Blossom Festival at the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C. on March 27, 2012.

    Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson

About this Gallery

Since the first cherry blossom planting in 1912, Washingtonians have celebrated the scenic beauty and the coming of spring the cherry trees represent. Today, the National Cherry Blossom Festival, which takes place in early spring when the blossoms are in full bloom, has become a major event, drawing tourists and locals alike. First ladies have supported the cherry blossom celebrations and typically serve as Honorary Chairs of the festival.

In addition to the Cherry Blossom Festival, in 1948 the National Conference of State Societies initiated the Cherry Blossom Princess program in which each U.S. state and territory sends one representative for a chance to be crowned Cherry Blossom Queen. Throughout the history of the contest, these young women have had opportunities to visit the White House during the Cherry Blossom season.

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