The seventeenth design in Fahrney's Cherry Blossom series by Retro51 features the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial. This Washington DC landmark was dedicated in 1997 and designed by architect Lawrence Halprin. His vision was “to evoke as many emotions and approaches” as you walk through it. The Memorial tells the story of President Roosevelt’s four terms and twelve years as he led the United States through the Great Depression, the struggles of its recovery and World War II. These stories are shown through four rooms that feature bronze sculptures, bas-relief panels, FDR’s quotes etched in stone throughout plus waterfalls and reflection pools with metaphoric meanings. Themes of struggle, hard work, diversity, freedom, the fight for peace and disabilities are evident throughout the memorial leaving viewers with a profound impact.

On the Tornado writing instruments, cherry blossoms frame snapshots of this landmark which are produced through a combination of printing and acid-etching the barrel. Like the memorial, each instrument has a tactile element felt within the braille writing, relief panels, and wavy lines representing the running water components. The braille says “Freedom” to represent President Roosevelt’s "Four Freedoms Speech," “Peace” for Eleanor Roosevelt who served as U.S. delegate to the United Nations and finally “FDR Memorial.” Like the sculptures, these have a bronze finish with turquoise patina accent print complete with polished chrome accents. Available in 1.1mm pencil, each Cherry Blossom comes in the commemorative tube packaging that doubles as a pen stand or carry case when it's not in use. Add the 2023 Edition to your Fahrney’s Cherry Blossom collection and feel the impact FDR left on a nation.