On St. Valentine’s Day, Burien lawmakers and community residents planted a cherry tree at city hall.

The local ceremony one of many cherry tree-planting events conducted simultaneously on Feb. 14 in cities throughout Washington.

Burien Parks Director Michael Lafeniere explained the significance to council members on Feb. 6, noting that in 1923 a sizable earthquake hit Tokyo. Seattle residents responded with aid to the victims.

In turn, residents of Yokohama presented Seattle with a gift of a stone lantern in 1929, which is still located in Seward Park.

Seattle’s Japanese community also donated 3,500 cherry trees to Seattle to commemorate their aid.

“Many of these trees still grace the University of Washington campus and other locations throughout Seattle,” Lafeniere said.

In 1976, a gift of 1,000 new cherry tree seedlings was given to Seattle by the government of Japan to commemorate the American bicentennial.

Thus began what has become the Seattle Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cultural Festival.

Burien council members then declared Feb. 14 as Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cultural Festival Day to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the gift of the 1,000 cherry trees and the state’s ever-growing partnerships with Japan.

The tree planted at the city hall eventually will be relocated to the new Burien Town Square Park, Lafreniere added.

“I am so excited to think that this is the first tree in our new Town Square public park,” said Mayor Joan McGilton.

“We have a double celebration. Not only the cultural festival, but also the start of our grand Town Square and city park,” she declared.

The Association of Washington Cities asked cities across the state to join in this commemoration, as cherry trees and their spring blossoms symbolize renewal and represent the spirit of cooperation, growth and prosperity between the two countries.