This photograph is of First Lady Betty Ford greeting the Cherry Blossom Princess on April 7, 1976. They had specially gathered at the White House to wish Mrs. Ford an early Happy Birthday. Since 1912, the blooming cherry blossoms have signaled the arrival of springtime in Washington D.C. First Lady Helen Taft was responsible for the planting of the 3,020 Japanese cherry blossom trees along the Tidal Basin and grounds of the U.S. Capitol. Many first ladies have continued to take an active role in the cherry blossom celebrations and in recent years have served as honorary chairs of the annual Cherry Blossom festival.
This photograph is of First Lady Betty Ford greeting the Cherry Blossom Princess on April 7, 1976. They had specially gathered at the White House to wish Mrs. Ford an early Happy Birthday. Since 1912, the blooming cherry blossoms have signaled the arrival of springtime in Washington D.C. First Lady Helen Taft was responsible for the planting of the 3,020 Japanese cherry blossom trees along the Tidal Basin and grounds of the U.S. Capitol. Many first ladies have continued to take an active role in the cherry blossom celebrations and in recent years have served as honorary chairs of the annual Cherry Blossom festival.
