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[Koto and flute music]
Today we honor the bonds of friendship as we observe Sakura, the blossoming of our beautiful cherry trees,
by the tranquility of Royce Pollard Japanese Friendship Garden.
On Earth Day 1990, John [Atsushi] Kageyama, President of America Kotobuki, presented a gift
of a hundred Shirofugen cherry trees to the city of Vancouver. The trees were planted at Clark College.
They're not only a beautiful addition to our campus and our community, they are a gift rich in symbolism.
And I don't think we've ever had a ceremony, since I've been here eight years, that they've been in such bloom.
What a beautiful setting for today's ceremony, and we've got the Royce Pollard Japanese Garden in our background.
I'm telling you I feel very fortunate as the President to work at the most beautiful college campus in the state of
Washington. One of the best in the United States. [Applause and cheers]
[Clark's Women's Ensemble singing Sakura, Matsuri]
Clark College has given me many new opportunities, experiences, and challenges.
Learning English helped increasing my motivation and allowed me to expand my horizons.
[More of Sakura, Matsuri]
[Portland Taiko Drum Group]
[Applause and cheers]