Liberty Tree Planting ceremony held at Berks County Heritage Center

This past weekend, the City of Reading and the County of Berks celebrated a significant historical tribute with the planting of a Liberty Tree at the Berks County Heritage Center. The ceremony, which took place on Saturday afternoon, was attended by community members, local officials, and representatives from various organizations.

The Liberty Tree planting is part of America250PA’s Liberty Tree Project, an initiative aimed at commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. The project seeks to honor the spirit of the original Liberty Tree in Boston, which was a symbol of resistance and freedom during the American Revolutionary War. In the 18th century, the Sons of Liberty would gather under the Boston Liberty Tree to discuss and strategize their opposition to British rule. However, in an effort to stifle colonial defiance, British forces destroyed the original tree.

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Following the destruction of the Boston Liberty Tree, colonists throughout the 13 colonies began to designate their own Liberty Trees, transforming them into symbols of hope and freedom. The last known original Liberty Tree stood on the campus of Saint John’s University in Maryland, where it remained until it was felled by Hurricane Floyd in 1999. Fortunately, thanks to landscaper Mark Mehnert, parts of this historic tree were rescued, preserved, and propagated. Today, direct descendants of that tree continue to thrive and are being planted across the nation.

The Liberty Tree Project, generously sponsored by the Pennsylvania Freemasons, aims to plant certified Liberty Trees in each of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties. The initiative began in the fall of 2021 and will continue through 2026, reflecting a commitment to fostering a shared sense of heritage and unity as the country approaches its semiquincentennial.

America250PA, the state commission responsible for coordinating the 250th anniversary celebration of the United States, has been instrumental in organizing events and projects like the Liberty Tree dedication. Established in 2018 by the Pennsylvania legislature and Governor, America250PA’s mission is to highlight the crucial role Pennsylvania played in the nation’s founding and to honor the lasting contributions of its people.

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Saturday’s dedication at the Berks County Heritage Center was more than just a tree planting; it was a celebration of resilience, freedom, and the enduring legacy of the American spirit. Community members who attended were invited to be part of this symbolic event, forging a connection between the past and the future as Pennsylvania continues to play a pivotal role in commemorating the nation’s journey.

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Berks Weekly
Berks Weekly
Berks Weekly is an independent and locally owned digital newspaper covering the City of Reading and Berks County. Download the mobile app: berksweekly.com/app
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