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Show I Cherry Blossoms To Beautify Washington Monument : , x - A N r g A Ugfcw W ash'inglon Post Photo Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson turned over a few spadefuls of soil recently in a symbolic acknowledgement ac-knowledgement of Japan's gift of 3,800 "Sakura" saplings which launched a Five-Year Beauty Plan for the Washington Monument Grounds. Referring to the domestically - grown cherry trees, Japanese Ambassador Ryuji Takeuchi remarked : "Although they have been nourished by American earth, they are nonetheless full-blooded Japanese and they are being given to you today just as the Tidal Basin trees were given over half a century ago as an expression of our great friendship and esteem for the American people." The First Lady in her response re-sponse stated: "When we look upon these trees, we'll think with gratitude of the land that sent them, the love of beauty in the hearts of the Japanese people and their generosity in sharing it." Observing the ceremonies are Ambassador and Mrs. Takeuchi and Acting Secretary Sec-retary of the Interior John A. Carver, Jr. |