Postlude
Springtime in Washington
|
Julie Woodford
|
For many—especially GW students—it’s
good to be in Washington in the spring.
Every year in late March and early April, the
beauty of the Washington Monument, Jefferson
Memorial, and other landmarks is enhanced by
the hundreds of blossoming cherry trees that
line the Tidal Basin. GW community members join
with D.C. residents and visitors from around
the world to celebrate the annual Cherry Blossom
Festival and commemorate the 1912 gift of the
trees from Japan.
Students participate in many festival-related
activities. Every year, American universities
with Japanese language programs and organizations
are invited to nominate candidates to be a festival
Goodwill Ambassador, to serve as a cultural liaison
during events such as the festival’s opening
ceremony and neighborhood tree plantings. This
year, senior Rita Sinha, who is majoring in mechanical
engineering and Japanese language and literature,
represented GW. In past years, GW students also
have represented their home countries as Cherry
Blossom princesses.
Also this year, the Office of Grad Life and
GW TRAiLS organized a student paddle boating
excursion on the Tidal Basin. And every year,
the GW Roadrunners Club organizes a well-attended
12-week training program to prepare students
for the annual 10-mile Cherry Blossom Race.
|
