Celebrating 100 years of giving was the theme when Japan’s Consulate-General Hiroshi Sato presented the City of Franklin with the gift of a cherry blossom tree. In 1912 Japan donated 3,000 cherry blossom trees to the US as a sign of bridging the gap between the two countries in an effort to improve relations.
Pinkerton Park is the new home for the cherry blossom tree as of March 23rd. Alderman at Large Brandy Blanton and Sister Cities President Patricia Kriebel helped Sato plant the tree. “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,” explained Sato.
Sato has been working with Sister Cities of Franklin and will be present on April 21st at 10 AM during the Arbor Day celebration to officially present the tree.
