Three Liberty Trees were dedicated July 10 at Stewart Park as a living tribute to American independence, according to the local chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR)
The Chief Taughannock Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, in partnership with the city of Ithaca, dedicated the trees in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
“We are here today in an effort to preserve not only our natural surroundings, but also the stories of our past, like those of the Liberty Trees and the important conversations that took place beneath them,” said Amy Little, regent of the Chief Taughannock Chapter NSDAR, in a statement.
“These Liberty Trees remind us of those who bravely advocated for democracy and freedom 250 years ago, and of those who continue to do the same today.”
About the trees
Little recognized the partnership between the Chief Taughannock Chapter and the city of Ithaca, thanking City Forester Jeanne Grace and the city’s forestry team for selecting and planting the three trees: an American Sycamore, a Northern Red Oak and a Heritage Oak.
In conjunction with the dedication, the chapter donated a collection of Revolutionary War-themed books to Stewart Park’s Little Free Library, encouraging readers of all ages to explore the people, events and ideals that shaped the founding of the United States.
About the ceremony
Each of the three tree species was introduced: the American Sycamore, Northern Red Oak and Heritage Oak, sharing their unique characteristics, ecological importance and connection to America’s natural heritage before inviting attendees to the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The ceremony was attended by Congressman Josh Riley, U.S. Representative for New York’s 19th Congressional District; New York State Assemblymember Anna R. Kelles; and Ithaca Mayor Robert G. Cantelmo, all of whom participated in dedicating one of the three Liberty Trees.
Cantelmo dedicated the third and final tree before presenting an official City of Ithaca proclamation recognizing the Liberty Tree project.
The proclamation declares the trees “a living tribute to American independence,” describing Liberty Trees as enduring symbols of unity, courage and freedom, recognizing them as places where early Americans gathered to organize and exchange ideas, and committing them to “the people of Ithaca and of all of Tompkins County, New York, and the patrons of Stewart Park in honor of America’s 250th anniversary.”
The project was made possible through the partnership of the Chief Taughannock Chapter, NSDAR; the City of Ithaca; Friends of Stewart Park; the Ithaca Youth Bureau; Opus Ithaca; and numerous community volunteers whose collaboration reflects the same spirit of civic engagement symbolized by the original Liberty Trees more than 250 years ago.
This article originally appeared on Ithaca Journal: Three Liberty Trees dedicated at Stewart Park for America’s 250th
Reporting by Ithaca Journal / Ithaca Journal
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By Ithaca Journal | USA TODAY Network
