Cherry Blossoms at the National Air and Space Museum
Apr 11, 2015
By Elizabeth Borja
When the vernal equinox in Washington, DC, is accompanied by a cold, wet day, it’s hard to imagine that spring is actually here. But over the last few weeks the nation's capital, has been celebrating one of its biggest annual events—the National Cherry Blossom Festival. But did you know the National Air and Space Museum has some cherry blossoms of its own?
If you’re not one for the crowds at the Tidal Basin, you may also enjoy a walk around the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. In April, the parking lot is lined with beautiful cherry blossoms. Explore the Wall of Honor or observe aircraft as they fly overhead on approach to Washington Dulles International Airport.
Then come inside and view the cherry blossom that immediately comes to my mind—the WWII-era Japanese aircraft Kugisho MXY7 Ohka 22, on display in the Boeing Aviation Hangar. Ohka translates to “cherry blossom.” There is even a colorful bloom painted on her side (although Americans would have only seen this symbol up close as a target of a kamikaze attack).
Whether or not you see the cherry blossoms in DC or your own town, enjoy your travels this spring!
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