WASHINGTON DC, United States — Cherry blossoms frame the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial along the Tidal Basin in Washington DC. The delicate pink and white flowers of the Yoshino cherry trees provide a stunning contrast to the red granite walls and water features of the memorial. This springtime scene, captured during the National Cherry Blossom Festival, beautifully blends natural beauty with the contemplative spaces dedicated to the 32nd US President.
Photograph by David Coleman. This image captures the harmonious blend of natural beauty and historical commemoration at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial during Washington DC's famous cherry blossom season. The memorial, dedicated in 1997, is unique among presidential monuments for its expansive design, covering acres along the Tidal Basin's western edge. Designed by landscape architect Lawrence Halprin, the memorial is composed of four outdoor rooms representing FDR's four terms in office. The Yoshino cherry trees (Prunus x yedoensis), gifts from Japan in 1912, create a stunning foreground with their pale pink and white blossoms. These trees typically bloom in late March to early April, coinciding with the National Cherry Blossom Festival. The memorial's red granite walls, numerous water features, and bronze sculptures are visibly interspersed among the cherry trees, creating a powerful visual contrast. This juxtaposition symbolizes the balance between nature and human achievement, a theme often emphasized in FDR's policies. Notable features of the memorial visible in this scene may include sculptures of FDR, Eleanor Roosevelt, and their dog Fala, as well as numerous quotes carved into the granite walls. The memorial's accessible design, including a statue of FDR in a wheelchair, reflects its commitment to inclusivity. The cherry blossoms not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the memorial but also serve as a reminder of the international friendship between the United States and Japan, which persevered despite the challenges of the Great Depression and World War II – both defining periods of FDR's presidency. This scene encapsulates the reflective nature of the memorial, the beauty of the cherry blossoms, and the historical significance of both, creating a powerful and picturesque representation of springtime in the nation's capital.
Size: 8256px × 5504px
Location: Tidal Basin, Washington DC, District of Columbia, United States
Photo credit: © David Coleman | CherryBlossomWatch / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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