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NATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL
The Nebraska Society of Washington, D.C., congratulates our 2011 Nebraska Cherry Blossom Princess, Alissa Wilcox. Here's a recap from Alissa about her great experience as Nebraska's Cherry Blossom Princess:
As the 2011 Nebraska Cherry Blossom Princess, I was given the chance to make new friends, engage in Japanese traditions, and help the community. The busy, exciting week was filled with once-in-a-lifetime opportunities I’m honored to have been a part of.
This year’s Cherry Blossom Festival evoked a different feeling than those in years past. Mere weeks prior to the start of the Festival, a tragic earthquake rocked Japan’s core and devastated families throughout the country. The Princesses came together in an attempt to provide support and offer relief in any way possible. Many State Societies began fundraisers to directly benefit the victims, and the Princesses themselves started a collection for the Red Cross. To see two cultures come together to grieve and heal was truly spectacular, and a humbling experience for everyone involved.
Princesses from every state participated in several events each day, ranging from a “Princess Tea” with junior princesses on day one to walking in the Cherry Blossom Parade on the final day. The best part was getting to meet such impressive, ambitious people at every turn. Senator Murkowski met us on the Capitol steps, we were able to speak with the Japanese Ambassador at his residence, we were escorted by dozens of current and former Members of Congress during our Capitol Hill reception, and our troops at Andrews Air Force Base motivated us while we stuffed care packages for those overseas.
On the last evening, a grand ball was held to honor the bond between our country and Japan. We had a wonderful mix of fresh sushi and American specialties for dinner, took pictures in our white gowns, and danced with the Japanese Queen and her family. The Princesses were introduced to a crowd filled with our families, friends, and State Society members before the new American Queen was crowned. The Cherry Blossom tradition is that the spin of a wheel determines who will represent her fellow princesses for the next year. The princess from West Virginia was chosen, and was able to visit Japan and personally offer her condolences and help to the country.
I wouldn’t change a thing about my week as the Nebraska Cherry Blossom Princess. I left the festival with 49 great friends and more memories than I can count. I can’t thank Charlie, Jeff and Katie from the Nebraska State Society enough for letting me be a part of such an amazing experience.
Meet our 2010 Cherry Blossom Princess: Alex Law
Meet our 2009 Cherry Blossom Princess: Michelle Wiedel
Meet our 2008 Cherry Blossom Princess: Abby Helman.
Meet our 2007 Cherry Blossom Princess: Desereé Johnston.
Learn more about Nebraska’s 2006 Cherry Blossom Princess, Andrea Todd
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© 2008 The Nebraska Society of Washington, D.C., Inc. All rights reserved. Post Office Box 65243, Washington, D.C. 20035-5243