Colors explode above the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, DC, as part of the annual Cherry Blossom Festival in the city. Crowds fill the sidewalks as tourists and locals together celebrate the gift of the cherry trees from Japan. The original trees were planted 31 years ago as memorial to the third president of the United States. The circular, colonnaded structure modeled after the Pantheon of Rome in the classic style was introduced into this country by Thomas Jefferson. The exploding colors seem fitting as President Jefferson was known for his appreciation of the flare, neoclassical architecture.
The fireworks display is just one many events that take place in the Washington metro area to celebrate the annual bloom of the cherry trees.