How amazing that the friendship and warmth contained in that gift continues, even through the dark days of World War II. On December 11, 1941, four trees were cut down in the U.S. Capitol, suspected retaliation for the attack on Pearl Harbor by the Empire of Japan four days earlier, though this was never confirmed. In hopes of dissuading people from further attacks upon the trees during the war, they were referred to as "Oriental" flowering cherry trees for the war's duration.
It seems fitting too, to be reminded of what our nation's capitol enjoys each year, as Japan continues its somber task of rebuilding and mourning an estimated 8,800 lost and 12,600 still missing.
Are there other gifts of this symbolic magnitude?
Dedicated on October 28, 1886, our Statue of Liberty, is a gift to the United States from the people of France. A robed female figure representing Libertas, the Roman goddess of freedom, bears a torch and a tabula ansata (a tablet evoking the law) upon which is inscribed the date of the American Declaration of Independence. A broken chain lies at her feet. The statue has become an iconic symbol of freedom and of the United States, best remembered in the days of strong immigration funneled through New York's Ellis Island.
With these two gifts given to us, is there anything comparable that the U.S. has given in return? Teatree's sparse knowledge of history shows up - nothing comes to mind. Unless one considers the solemn Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer, Normandy, France, that honors American soldiers who died in Europe during World War II.
The cemetery is located on a bluff overlooking Omaha Beach (one of the landing beaches of the Normandy Invasion) and the English Channel. It covers 70 ha (172 acres), and contains the remains of 9,387 American military dead, most of whom were killed during the invasion of Normandy and ensuing military operations in World War II.
Embedded in the lawn directly opposite the entrance to the old Visitors' Building is a time capsule in which have been sealed news reports of the June 6, 1944 Normandy landings. The capsule is covered by a pink granite slab upon which is engraved: To be opened June 6, 2044.
Around the world, gifts and memorials speaking of friendship and gratitude are continually being made. And while some gifts emphasize a positive friendship, such as the US and Canada's famous Peace Arch between Washington State and British Columbia, others express hopes for reconciliation from past conflicts.
Growing up during the bitterly divisive Vietnam War, one is heartened to read of recent week-long visit to Vietnam by 29 members of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF). The delegation, including people from all walks of life - veterans, their relatives, businessmen, social workers and students - was aimed at helping the delegation members learn about the current situation in Vietnam , Vietnam-US relations, the lingering effects of past wars and especially issues regarding the clearance of mines and unexploded ordnance in Vietnam. Members paid a fieldtrip visit to RENEW – a VVMF project on clearing landmines in Quang Tri province.
Whether a gift celebrating friendship, a memorial expressing gratitude, or reconciliation efforts meant to heal tragic events in the past, let's enjoy the spring celebration in Washington DC this year with a new appreciation.
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