By Debra Mitchell spokeswoman for U.S. Postal Service
Special to the Gazette
The U.S. Postal Service has issued two-part cherry blossom centennial stamps, commemorating the centennial of the gift of 3,020 cherry blossom trees from the city of Tokyo to the city of Washington, D.C.
The two-part panorama signifies the friendship between Japan and the United States. The se-tenant – two-part, side-by-side – stamps picture cherry trees in full bloom around the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C.
Each stamp is valued at 45 cents and is a forever stamp. The stamps are on sale nationwide.
The cherry blossom stamp on the left side features trees arching over two girls dressed in bright kimonos and a family on a stroll with the Washington Monument in the background. The group is shown in 1912 period attire.
On the right-hand stamp, the Jefferson Memorial forms the backdrop for tourists taking in the sights under a canopy of pink blooms. This group is shown in contemporary clothing.
With these subtle details, artist Paul Rogers represents the 100 years between the gift and today.