MOUNT VERNON — The City of Mount Vernon invites community members, families, and residents to join in celebrating the nation’s semi-quincentennial at the America 250 Tree Dedication Ceremony on Friday at 9:30 a.m. at American Heritage Park.

American Heritage Park is behind the CA&C Depot at 501 S. Main St.

The ceremony highlights Mount Vernon’s participation in the statewide America 250 initiative, honoring Ohio’s rich history and natural heritage by planting an American Heritage Tree as part of a project spanning all 88 counties.

The morning will feature active leadership from local youth. Forty-seven fifth-grade students from Columbia Elementary School will serve as the official hosts and masters of ceremonies.

Students will distribute small handheld American flags as attendees arrive. Third- and fourth-grade students from Columbia will join the audience for the occasion.

Recitations and readings highlight tree dedication

The ceremony begins with welcoming remarks from Dr. John “Doc” Brown of the Shade Tree Commission. Brown will introduce the fifth-grade hosts. The presentation of colors will follow, led by the Air Force JROTC and a snare drummer from Mount Vernon High School.

Five Columbia Elementary students will lead the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance before Mayor Matt Starr presents an official proclamation to dedicate the tree.

Following the dedication, fifth graders will lead the audience through several educational segments. Segments include a group recitation of the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution, readings on the history of The Liberty Tree, and an explanation of how Mount Vernon received its American Heritage Tree.

Representatives from the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will read Thomas Paine’s poem, The Liberty Tree.

Celtic fiddler Jill Hawkins will perform live music to conclude the ceremony as attendees gather around the newly planted tree to plant their American flags.

Councilwoman LeNan Hager will deliver closing remarks.

The event is free and open to the public. Community members are encouraged to attend and celebrate this milestone. In case of rain, the ceremony will move inside the CA&C Depot.