Tree Planting Ceremony at the New Mexico Veteran’s Memorial in the city of Albuquerque(September 19, 2015)

Consul General and Mrs. Ito attended the Tree Planting Ceremony co-hosted by the City of Albuquerque and the Consulate General of Japan in Denver in Albuquerque, New Mexico on Saturday, September 19, 2015.
  
In his remarks, Consul General Ito cited Prime Minister Abe’s April 29th address to a joint U.S. congress as he re-stated how Japan and U.S. reached a mutual understanding after the war and built a 70-year friendship that has become one of the most important alliances in the world. He continued to say that as this year marks the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, it is crucial to learn from our experiences before, during, and after World War II, and as a representative of the government and people of Japan, he offers his sincere condolences toward all the American soldiers who lost their lives in the war. The Consul General also said that under the U.S. alliance Japan continues to contribute to peace and prosperity in Asia and the world and its policies in that regard will not change. He concluded his speech by expressing his hope that just like the newly planted Cherry Tree, the friendship between both countries will grow to become even more beautiful and stronger than before.

Following, Secretary Jack R. Fox of the New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services took the podium and said that despite U.S. and Japan being enemies during the war they managed to form a friendship, toward which cooperation from both countries is stronger than ever. Secretary Fox went on to say that planting of the Cherry Tree symbolizes the friendly relationship, in that the Cherry Blossom is the national flower of Japan and represents the beauty of life, eternal hope, and rebirth. In conclusion, he hopes that by witnessing the Cherry Tree being planted people will not only aspire to create peace but also remember the post-war rebirths of both counties, the friendship between them, and all the younger generations to come.

In addition, Albuquerque Mayor Berry’s Veteran Liaison, Mr. Roger Newall attended the ceremony and read the Mayor’s speech on the Mayor’s behalf. From the speech, Mr. Newall mentioned that Albuquerque is sister cities with Sasebo, Japan and in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the sister city relationship delegations from both cities plan to visit the other. To conclude, he stated that the City of Albuquerque not only thinks highly of its friendly relations with Sasebo, but also of those between Japan and the United States and greatly wishes to assist and cooperate in any way it can.
Lastly, military affiliates and local children followed by Consul General Ito covered the newly planted Cherry Tree with soil to mark the end of the ceremony.