May 12, 2004

HEALEY CELEBRATES ESPLANADE'S 100 NEW CHERRY TREES

Praises Fish Family and Citizens Bank for Donation

Marking the centennial anniversary of the Japan Society of Boston, Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey today helped plant 100 new Japanese cherry trees on the Esplanade and praised the Fish family and Citizens Bank for their generous donation.

“Each of these lovely trees is a symbol of the strong friendship and goodwill that exists between the people of Japan and the people of Massachusetts,” said Healey. “On behalf of the people of Massachusetts, I would like to thank the Fish family, the Consul General of Japan and the Japan Society of Boston for all you have done to bring us together over the years.”

In addition to the donation of the cherry trees, Healey said the Fish family and Citizens Bank have generously agreed to pay for ongoing maintenance expenses. She noted that today’s planting continues a Boston tradition started nearly 20 years ago by the Japan Society of Boston and the Japanese Consul General’s office. Over this time, approximately 1,400 cherry trees have been planted in public spaces around Boston from the Hatch Shell to Watertown, including several trees on the front lawn of the State House.

“Larry and I are pleased to donate these symbolic Japanese cherry trees for the community to enjoy and we look forward to enhancing the delicate beauty of the Esplanade,” said Atsuko Fish, Vice-Chair of the Japan Society and wife of Larry Fish, Chairman, President and CEO of Citizens Financial Group. “As these trees grow, so will the partnerships between the people of Japan and Massachusetts. We extend our gratitude and congratulations in celebration of the Japan Society of Boston’s centennial anniversary of cultivating historic bridges between our two countries.”

“This is just the kind of partnership we are working to build with individuals and groups who love the state parks system,” said Environmental Affairs Secretary Ellen Roy Herzfelder, whose office has actively pursued public-private partnerships at state parks and recreational facilities across the Commonwealth. “We want to link the positive changes we are making to the system with the tremendous reservoir of enthusiasm towards our parks and recreation areas.”