Japan’s generous gesture of gifting 250 cherry trees to Washington, D.C., in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence stands as a testament to the enduring bond between nations. Since their initial gift over a century ago, the cherry trees have become emblematic of friendship and renewal, symbolizing the perennial ties between Japan and the United States. As Prime Minister Fumio Kishida reaffirmed during the White House ceremony, these trees, much like the enduring friendship they represent, are timeless and resilient, bridging cultures and inspiring generations.

While the decision to remove 140 of these cherished trees for infrastructure renewal may seem bittersweet, it underscores the necessity of safeguarding both natural beauty and historical landmarks. The revitalization efforts, including the construction of taller sea walls, demonstrate a commitment to preserving not only the iconic cherry trees but also the surrounding landscape for future generations. As Secretary of State Antony Blinken eloquently articulated, the blossoming of these trees heralds not just the arrival of spring but also serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact of friendship and diplomacy, echoing across borders and generations.

Decorating the home for an event can take many forms. But when you are dealing with a national occasion, like the 4th of July, there is a color scheme you must respect. To make up for diversity, we suggest you try and make some of these wreaths for the front door, windows or inside doors. Choose the best DIY wreath customized for the Independence Day festivities which suits you best. You can opt for the simple burlap with red and blue colors or bring your kids in to help you with the felt and yarn 4th of July wreath. Another simple yet fun to make wreath is the paper cone one. Go creative with pages of old books in order to give your residence an intellectual or vintage aspect to the decorations. Add a feminine touch with some red and white flowers. Feel the handmade vibe by using clothespins or pieces of scrapbooks in your personalized wreath. Either way you go with the decoration, put your imagination to work and make some creative DIY wreath for adorning your home in a beautiful way for this year’s 4th of July.

1. Book Page Wreath 

2. Patriotic Flower Wreath 

3. DIY Patriotic Wreath 

4. Paper Cones 

5. Wreath Stars