Kent County Woman Represents Rhode Island at DC's National Cherry Blossom Festival

(Washington, DC) – Alexandra Curtis of West Warwick, and formerly of East Greenwich, is representing Rhode Island this week at the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC. Each state and territory selects a Princess each year to represent its people in the annual parade, celebrations, and other festivities.

Alexandra was chosen by the State Society of Rhode Island based on her academic performance and community involvement. She is a 2014 honors graduate of Syracuse University and will begin her Master of Public Affairs program at Brown University in June. She is the daughter of Mark and Kathi Curtis. Alexandra is also a direct descendent of the famed Carr family which helped to settle Rhode Island, including Gov. Caleb Carr who was the Colonial Governor of Rhode Island in 1695.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is an outgrowth of a gift made in 1912. The Mayor of Tokyo decided to donate Japanese cherry trees to Washington, DC as a sign of the growing friendship and trade between the two nations. Over the years there have been thousands more trees donated and they now line Capitol Hill and the Tidal Basin near the Jefferson Memorial (photos 1 & 2 above). After World War II, the National Conference of State Societies launched the Cherry Blossom Princess and Queen program. The exchange of gift trees between the two nations helped to heal the wounds of war.

Events this week included a Congressional Reception, where Alexandra was escorted by Sam Chasin (photo 3), a Legislative Aide to Rep. Jim Langevin (D-RI). On Thursday night the States and Territories held their annual reception at the Fort Myer Army Base Officers Club in Arlington, VA. Alexandra was accompanied by Chris Simeone, President of the State Society of Rhode Island, and a native of North Kingstown.

Alexandra will also be participating in local programs such as the Blackstone Valley Cherry Blossom events in Pawtucket that celebrate the growth of cherry trees to help beautify Rhode Island.