Trotwood part of Operation 1,000 Cherry Tree

TROTWOOD, Ohio (WDTN) - Thirty Yoshino Cherry Trees were planted in John Wolfe Park in Trotwood Saturday, marking the location for the "Operation 1,000 Cherry Tree Project."

The City of Trotwood is the first community to plant trees in conjunction with the "Operation 1,000 Cherry Tree Project."

The "Operation 1,000 Cherry Tree Project" was developed by Alex Hara, a Japanese-born businessman living in Dayton. Hara was inspired to start the project after a 9.0 magnitude earthquake and ensuing tsunami hit Japan, claiming 16,000 lives and leaving over 3,000 missing in March 2011. The United States military has helped in the rescue, cleanup, and rebuilding of Japan.

The goal of the project is to plant 1,000 cherry trees in the Dayton area as a symbol of Japan's appreciation for America's support throughout the disaster. It also commemorates the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Japan's gift of 3,000 cherry trees to the United States in 1912 as a symbol of their friendship.

Montgomery County hosted an inaugural cherry tree planting in July 2012.

Trees will be planted at Dayton’s Carillon Historical Park and other area parks within multiple communities bordering the City of Dayton.

Tax-deductible donations are being accepted by the Dayton Foundation through the Operation 1000 Cherry Tree’s website, www.operation1000cherrytrees.com.