Operation 1000 Cherry Trees: Local businessman donates trees to base

  • Published
  • By Amy Rollins
  • Skywrighter Staff
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio --  On Nov. 21, history repeated itself as a gift of cherry trees symbolizing gratitude and friendship between Japan and the United States was made at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

Alex Hara, a Japanese-born businessman living in Dayton, sought to find a way to thank the American military and citizenry for their rapid response to the catastrophic earthquake and tsunami in Japan on March 11, 2011.

In the same spirit of growing friendship that led Japan to give the United States thousands of cherry trees in 1912 that were planted in Washington, D.C., Mr. Hara founded Operation 1000 Cherry Trees with the intent to plant similar trees throughout Montgomery County. Wright-Patterson was selected as one of the primary locations, and on Nov. 21, the first tree was planted just south of Air Force Materiel Command during a ceremony marking the occasion. After Tech. Sgt. Felita Larock of the U.S. Band of Flight sang "Kimigayo," the Japanese national anthem, Mr. Hara noted that the American military forces stationed in Japan were the first responders in Operation Tomodachi (Operation Friend), first clearing the runway of Sendai International Airport so relief planes could land with supplies and then performing many search-and-rescue efforts. He also noted that people in the greater Dayton area donated $33,000 within the first three months following the disaster.

"I was so moved by the generosity of the American people," Mr. Hara said. "I was compelled to do something in return to the men and women in uniform and American citizens who were so generous."

Mr. Hara also thanked former Ohio Gov. Robert Taft for serving as honorary chairperson of Operation 1000 Cherry Trees.

It was Mr. Taft's great-grandfather, William Howard Taft, who accepted the original cherry tree gifts in 1912, and his great-grandmother, First Lady Helen Herron Taft, who planted the first pair of weeping cherry trees, assisted by Viscountess Chinda, wife of the Japanese ambassador.

"We would like to duplicate again what Washington, D.C., offers," Mr. Hara said.    

"Someday I'd like to think that people will wonder why the Dayton community has so many cherry blossoms. It's our mission for another 100 years of cherry blossoms."

Consul General Kuninori Matsuda, consulate general of Japan in Detroit, said, "I believe this gift is an ideal expression of Japan's long friendship and deep appreciation to the United States for its immediate response following the tragedy."

Mr. Matsuda noted the strong economic and cultural relationships between Japan and the state of Ohio, with almost 500 Japanese companies doing business in the state and employing some 60,000 people. He also highlighted the strong Japanese language programs at Wright State University, Wittenberg University, Antioch University and Sinclair Community College.

In front of the dozens of Wright-Patt Airmen and civilians who supported Operation Tomodachi, Colonel Barlow said, "Today is an example of the best of community relationships, not only between Wright-Patterson and the Dayton community but also between the Dayton community and our international friends. Today reflects, really, the best of humanity, stepping forward to support in a time of need, giving back as a symbol of gratitude, creating a legacy of friendship between two nations that will endure for years into the future."

More than 200 trees will be planted on base in an ongoing community beautification project, Colonel Barlow said. The next planting will take place along Ogden Avenue and Spruce Way.

Saying she was looking forward to the spring, the colonel remarked that as beautiful as the mall in Washington, D.C., is in the spring with all of its cherry blossoms, "Wright-Patterson will surely become a rival for its impressive display of color.

"We were honored to support Operation Tomodachi and we are honored to support the people of Japan," she said.

To help plant the first cherry tree, Colonel Barlow was joined by Gen. C.D. Moore II, commander, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center; Mr. Hara; and Mr. Matsuda.