A town crier announces the planting of Sakura in Woodstock, Ontario
Sakura Planting Welcome News in Woodstock
The ceremonious town crier of Woodstock, Ontario, announced on July 27 at the City's Southside Park of the news of the planting of 89 Sakura trees there.
"This is a very exciting time for Woodstock," noted Consul General of Japan and Sakura Committee Chair Koichi Kawakami at the planting ceremony commemorating the donation. "Just last month, we witnessed the grand opening of Hino Motors' new manufacturing facility in this city. Furthermore, as you are aware, production is scheduled to begin 2008 at the much-anticipated new Toyota plant."
He went on to explain that activities such as the Sakura Project can support such economic activities. "Cultural and economic ties can work together, often with the sum being greater than its parts. It is the hope of the Committee that the trees will serve to support the economic activities between Japan and Canada by reminding the citizens of Woodstock of the warm and friendly relations between the Japanese and Canadian people."
In his remarks, Woodstock Mayor Michael Harding said, "Thank you for coming today to dedicate our Sakura trees because we know that they have a special place in the hearts of Japanese people everywhere. We know that the cherry blossom has a bittersweet undercurrent that recalls springs past and the fleeting nature of human existance. Perhaps we will be able to practice hanami (a pinic under the cherry blossoms) once these threes yield their blossoms.
Forty-nine people attended the ceremony, including Mayor Harding as well as City Councillors Connie Lauder, Deb Tait and Sandra Talbot.. Representatives from the Sakura Committee, as well as Hino Motors and Toyota Canada were also present. As part of the ceremony , the Consul General and the Mayor together performed a ceremonial planting of a tree, and unveiled a plaque commemorating the donation.