By Jennifer Wimmer
Members of the Yellow Banks Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, led a Liberty Tree dedication ceremony Monday at Vastwood Park as part of a yearlong series of local events honoring America’s 250th birthday and celebrating independence.
Chapter members Sherry Adkins Pirkle and Lisa LaMar Jarboe read the dedication and prayers during the ceremony, which was held with the Hancock County Historical and Museum Society and Hancock County Fiscal Court.
Pirkle said the tree, now known as the Liberty Tree, stands in commemoration of American patriots “whose unwavering service and sacrifice furthered the cause of independence,” and that citizens are bound to ensure the United States “endures forever as a government of the people, by the people and for the people.”
She briefly described the Liberty Tree’s roots in the American Revolution, noting Liberty Trees across the colonies and the famous elm on Boston Common that became a rallying point against British rule before British troops cut it down in 1775.
Pirkle said Liberty Trees planted today are living reminders of “the courage, conviction and unyielding hope that inspired the birth of our nation” and dedicated the tree, a tulip poplar, in grateful recognition of all patriots of the American Revolution and all who have served the nation.
Jarboe opened and closed the ceremony with prayers, asking God’s blessing on the tree and community and that future generations remember the ideals that unite Americans and the sacrifices that secured their freedoms.
