As 2001 marks the 50th anniversary of the signing of the San Francisco Peace Treaty, one of the event's aims is to deepen mutual understanding between Japanese and Americans. Grassroots exchange programs will be held at each stop on the tour. Before embarking on the six-month journey from Mt. Vernon, the home and burial place of George Washington, the team will take part in physical training programs and conversational English lessons. As the walk will start during the height of the cherry blossom season, the team will also take part in a three-day cherry blossom march to be held along the Potomac River. Another event scheduled before the team sets off for the West Coast on March 30 is at Arlington National Cemetery, where the participants will lay flowers on the grave of John F. Kennedy.
People enjoy a walking event for girl scouts held in New Jersey late last month.
In April and May, the team will pass through the Ohio cities of Columbus and Cincinnati. Although spring will have begun by this time, walkers may experience extreme weather and climate changes. In June, the team will cross the Mississippi River and reach St. Louis, Mo., which became the crossroads for western expansion. The city now hosts many universities and cultural facilities. The team will make its way to Denver, Colo., before crossing the Rocky Mountains at elevations of up to 1,600 meters above sea level in July.