Early in spring near the end of March, the 433 Yoshino cherry blossoms unfurl into their palest-pink glory on the Memorial pathway surrounding the Utah State Capital. Residents of Davis County access this gem by exiting on Beck Street and taking Victory Road up to the Capitol. Road parking directly to the north of the Capitol is only steps from the trail. A Japanese legend describes a maiden fairy that awakens the sleeping cherry trees with her delicate breath late in March with the magic remaining for only a few weeks. Maybe the maiden was recently eating almonds, which would explain the faint almond scent the blossoms give off. Shortly after the blossoms fall, a very small fruit forms which attracts birds and butterflies to the pathway. These cherry blossoms are the same variety that adorns the cherry blossom walk in Washington, D.C. The trail is less that a mile and meanders past monuments adorned with art and vintage lampposts. The wide, white sand trail is easy to walk, and dogs are allowed if you are willing to clean up after them. Many benches allow for picnics or meditating on the beauties of spring. Although sunshine and blue sky is a pretty backdrop, the path would also be lovely in the evening or after a spring snowstorm. 

The cherry trees were originally a gift from Japan following World War II symbolizing reconciliation and friendship. In Japan, the fleeting blooming season of the Sakura (Japanese word for cherry blossom) symbolizes the impermanence of life. “The cycle of life, death and rebirth, on the one hand, and of productive and reproductive powers, on the other,” Anthropologist, Ohnuki Tierney said. 

The original cherry trees, however, were damaged in the tornado that touched down briefly in Salt Lake City in 1999. During the capitol restoration project from 2004-2008 the trail was replanted and updated. The trees will eventually grow to 50 feet tall and last for 80 years. Monuments along the path include a memorial for soldiers who fought in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos and another to WWII veterans. The impressive monument to the Mormon Battalion features a stoic soldier, as well as many other characters of that time. The Native American woman and child above the water feature is particularly moving. 

Expect to see other's enjoying the trail on a beautiful spring afternoon. Girls in prom dresses or even wedding gowns take advantage of the feminine beauty of the pink blossoms. Being next to the State Capitol, a law student in formal robes posed for a memorial photograph. Some spring bulbs are also blooming in nearby beds. After a long winter, it is just good to see green lawn stretching in all directions linking the trail with the art and Capitol Building. The Capitol is also similar to the one honoring the nation because of its beautiful copper dome crowning the experience.