Local officials and community members gathered in Melbourne on Friday to dedicate a “Liberty Tree” in honor of the nation’s 250th birthday.
The Mary Ingles Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution dedicated a Kentucky Tulip Poplar, the state tree, during a ceremony at Pendery Park on May 1.
Liberty Trees served as symbols of unity and freedom during the American Revolution.
The Kentucky Historical Society and Daughters of the American Revolution are planting tulip poplar “Liberty Trees” in all 120 Kentucky counties to mark the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, which will be on July 4.
A bronze National Society Daughters of the American Revolution Liberty Tree Commemorative Marker will be placed at the site in the future.
Campbell County Judge/Executive Steve Pendery was the first speaker to greet the crowd on Friday with his remarks.
“We’re not first Republicans or Democrats, we actually have something much more important in common,” Pendery said. “We’re Americans. We’re Americans. This is an example of what we can accomplish when we work together.”
The ceremony featured the presentation of flags by the Campbell County Police Honor Guard, the Pledge of Allegiance, the National Anthem, and the reading of the Preamble to the Constitution.
Mary Ingles Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution First Vice Regent Jane Hlad spoke on the history of the Liberty Tree during the ceremony.
“The Liberty Tree was a treasured symbol in the years leading up to the American Revolution in towns and cities across the 13 Colonies, local patriots calling themselves the ‘Sons of Liberty’ selected a large tree in their community to serve as their gathering place,” Hlad said. “ A living emblem of their commitment to freedom.”
“Liberty Trees” then began to appear in towns across the colonies, becoming a popular place to meet, Hlad said. British troops recognized the tree’s influence and cut the tree down in 1775, but its symbolism had already taken root across the colonies.
Their protests ultimately led to the repeal of the Stamp Act in 1766, less than a year after its enactment. She said Bostonians celebrated by hanging lanterns in the liberty tree branches.
“May the dedication of this tree stand as a constant reminder to our commitment to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” Hlad said.
