By Elnie Vannatim ….In the second week of April 2008, I assumed my title as an International Cherry Blossom Princess. I shared my title with about 60 others, each representing a different state, U.S. territory or foreign country. So how did I become Thailand's Cherry Blossom Princess?

       I completed the lengthy application, wrote a couple of essays, and had an interview with the Minister Counsellor from the Royal Thai Embassy. My selection was premised on my background and strong foundations in Thai culture, government and politics, and service to the community.

       Since 1948, state societies have selected accomplished  young women that possess "poise, intelligence, maturity and good character" to share their state's rich culture, traditions, and history with national and international visitors and dignitaries at the annual Cherry Blossom Festival and abroad. These young women ambassadors are called "Cherry Blossom Princesses." The Cherry Blossom Princesses participate in cultural, leadership, and educational activities as they serve their country or respective state. There are approximately 60 princesses-each state and U.S. territory can nominate a Cherry Blossom Princess to represent them during the blossom festival; for the past nine years, the program also has expanded to include several international princesses. This year we had princesses from Japan, Thailand, Denmark, Lithuania, Sweden and Ukraine. About 3,000 women have participated in the program since 1948. Many princesses go on to successful careers in politics and business. Two of the most well-known former Princesses are Congresswoman Shelly Moore Capito of West Virginia, and Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska.

       Our schedules were jam-packed from day one; that was fine because there were perks that come with the title. Like most royalty, we traveled in a motorcade escorted by police — the same police who guard President Bush on his commute through the city. We received numerous gifts because in Japan it is customary to give small gifts to new friends and hosts. On the first night, I spent over an hour just opening gifts from the other princesses!  They ranged from necklaces to lapel pins, to chocolate-covered pecans.

       We were formally introduced to the public at the opening ceremony. The opening ceremony of the Festival commenced with the lighting of the 356 year-old Japanese Stone Lantern at the Tidal Basin where the first two cherry blossom trees were planted. In 1912, First Lady Mrs. William Howard Taft and Viscountess Chinda, the wife of the Japanese Ambassador planted the first trees. The Japanese Princess and Ambassador Ryozo Kato of Japan lit the Stone Lantern.

       During the week, we spread some cheer with tree plantings, by visiting and delivering toys, books and other items, to children of low income and underfunded schools; we visited our wounded soldiers at Walter Reed Hospital. Other places the Princesses visited include the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Inter-American Development Bank, National Cathedral, the FBI training academy, and Capitol Hill where the princesses had a rare opportunity to meet with Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Senator Murkowski, and Congresswoman Bordallo

       A highlight of my week was the Congressional Reception. It was held in an elegant caucus room of the Russell Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill.  The U.S. Princesses were escorted by their member of Congress from their states, and the International Princesses were escorted by diplomats from their embassies. We introduced their escorts to the audience.

       Throughout the week we were invited to luncheons and receptions hosted by various embassies and met with dignitaries and from Sweden, Ukraine, Japan and of course Thailand. We tried new foods, learned a few phrases in different languages and learned a great deal about international relations. The luncheon at the Royal Thai Embassy was especially eventful for me. I was excited for the princesses to learn more about my motherland. The Minister, Minister Counsellor, and Ambassador Garnjana-Goonchorn were there to welcome the girls. We watched a short video about Thailand and its tourist hot spots. Afterward, we enjoyed delicious Thai food and gave each princess a gift of Thai silk scarves. I know my fellow Princesses learned as much about Thailand as I did about their respective states and countries.

       The crowning of the U.S Queen took place on the last night.  We were required to wear our floor-length white dresses and long satin gloves to attend the grand ball. After enjoying a meal of sushi and fusion food, the princesses lined up on a stage to find out who would be queen — and receive a Mikimoto crown, pearls and a trip to Japan.  We were not judged based upon looks. It all came down to the spin of a wheel marked with U.S. states or territories (international princesses were ineligible). The wheel was spun, and the Maine Princess was crowned the 2008 Queen. The final event of the festival was the Cherry Blossom Festival Grand Parade on Constitution Avenue. The parade is considered as Washington's largest annual spectator event. It is one of Washington's fondest traditions; and was televised live.  I was so very proud to be on television walking in the parade with the Thai flag flying high above me.

       This amazing experience is one that I will remember for the rest of my life. It was an honor and privilege to represent the Thailand and to share our rich culture and history with those I came in contact with. I would highly recommend this program to any young woman with an interest in world affairs, professional development, government/politics and representing Thailand.