Metro
The National Conference of State Societies in partnership with the National Park Service, Japanese Embassy and National Cherry Blossom Festival host the Official Japanese Stone Lantern Lighting. This is the kick-off to the week of the NCSS Cherry Blossom program. For 77 years NCSS has hosted the Cherry Blossom Program for young women representing each U.S. state, territory and DC for a week long educational, cultural and professional program.
In 1954 the Japanese Stone Lantern was presented to Washington, DC as a gift to commemorate the 100th anniversary of America’s first treaty with Japan. It is lit only once a year during the Cherry Blossom Festival by the Cherry Blossom Princess representing Japan. Standing 8.5 feet tall and weighing approximately 4,000 pounds it was carved nearly four centuries ago to honor the Third Shogun of the Tokugawa period. It stands 50 feet east of the first two cherry blossom trees planted by First Lady Helen Taft and Viscountess Chinda in 1912 and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
The event is free and there will be entertainment by Japanese artists, guest speakers including the Japanese Ambassador and the introduction of the Cherry Blossom delegates.
Learn more : https://www.nps.gov/places/000/japanese-lantern.htm
Additional Info
This event is produced by National Conference of State Societies.
