An emblem of American freedom

Liberty Tree rededicated for country’s 250th anniversary

As part of a nationwide celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, the Kern Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution rededicated a Liberty Tree and installed a bench near the Kern Veterans Memorial on Saturday.

It was all part of a nationwide endeavor of the national SAR celebrating the American 250 Project. Saturday’s ceremony included a rifle-anddrum corps and a live musket firing.

The SAR Liberty Tree Project’s goal is to dedicate a tree in all 50 states — and reach 250 trees — by July 4, according to organizers.

The bench commemorates the original Liberty Tree in Boston.

“The Liberty Tree (1646– 1775) was a famous elm tree that stood in Boston near Boston Common, in the years before the American Revolution.

“In 1765, colonists in Boston staged the first act of defiance against the British government at the tree,” according to an event announcement.

“The tree became a rallying point for the growing resistance to the rule of Britain over the American colonies, and the ground surrounding it became known as Liberty Hall. In 1775 the British had enough of these rebellious rallies at the Liberty Tree and had it cut down.”