As if on cue and marking the arrival of spring, the cherry trees lining the Japanese American Historical Plaza in downtown Portland are beginning to bloom.

The trees, a gift from the Japanese Grain Importers Association, were planted in 1990 along the Willamette River esplanade to commemorate the internment of Japanese Americans during WWII.

The blossoms are poking out now and should peak by the weekend.

Rain is in the forecast for the next five or so days, but don't let that stop you from standing in the glory of their midst.

-- Beth Nakamura 503-221-8218

Twitter: @bethnakamura

Instagram: @bethnakamura