Cherry Blossoms and Friendship at USPACOM Headquarters

Consulate General of Japan in Honolulu, Yasushi Misawa and Mrs. Misawa; Director General Emeritus of Makino Botanical Garden, Dr. Tetsuo Koyama and Mrs. Koyama; Commander of U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM), Adm. Harry Harris and Ms. Bruni Bradley; Chair of Cherry Alley Committee Mrs. Norie Masmitsu; USPACOM Chief of Staff, Maj. Gen. Kevin Schneider; Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, Col. Atsushi Saito; Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Cmdr. Taijiro Omata; Japan Air Self-Defense Force, Col. Kanae Tamakoshi pose for a photo during Tree Planting Friendship ceremony onboard Camp H.M. Smith, Nov. 10, 2016. The Cherry Alley Committee donated 10 trees to the USPACOM to enhance the friendship between the U.S. and Japan. This ceremony is a continuation of the long tradition established in 1912, when Japan donated 3,000 cherry blossom trees to the U.S. These trees are planted along the Potomac River in Washington D.C. and the U.S. reciprocated with dogwood trees in 1915.