MOUNT VERNON — Some lessons in history grow on you.
About 100 students and two dozen residents gathered in Mount Vernon Friday to dedicate a tree honoring the 250th anniversary of American Independence.
Held at American Heritage Park, the America 250-Ohio Heritage Tree Dedication Ceremony reflected Mount Vernon’s own connection to the nation’s founding era.
Third, fourth and fifth-grade students from Columbia Elementary School joined community members and local officials for the event.
However, Mount Vernon isn’t the only community celebrating in this fashion.
This year, an American Heritage tree was planted in each of Ohio’s 88 counties in honor of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
The movement was inspired by the Liberty Tree of the American Revolution.
Mount Vernon Councilmember LeNan Hager and Russ Mentzer, a member of Mount Vernon’s Shade Tree & Beautification Committee, helped organize the event.
Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr was also present.
“It is always wonderful to see schools and the community come together for events just like this,” Starr said.
A celebration of liberty
The event began with a Presentation of Colors by the Air Force Junior ROTC, snare drummer Jocelyn Frazier accompanied the cadets.
Columbia Elementary Principal Andrew Thompson joined the gathering, while fifth-grade students Ruby and Maverick served as emcees.
Students also read the Preamble to the United States Constitution, with many reciting it from memory.
Starr issued a proclamation recognizing the event’s significance to the community.
“This heritage tree represents liberty, community, strength, resilience and the importance of gathering, to share ideas and shape our future,” the proclamation reads.
America 250-Ohio Commissioner Leslie Wagner, a Fredericktown native, said the heritage tree project began as an idea she pitched in 2022.
“By planting these trees in meaningful locations, Ohioans are actively preserving their local heritage, while contributing to environmental sustainability,” Wagner said.
Elizabeth Lutwick, a member of the Lucy Knox Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, also spoke.
She took the moment to read Thomas Paine’s “The Liberty Tree.”
“In a chariot of light from the region of the day, the Goddess of Liberty came … She brought in her hand as a pledge of her love, the plant she named Liberty Tree,” Lutwick recited.
‘Trees are living history’
Mount Vernon’s heritage tree, a white oak, was planted Tuesday, earlier in the week before the dedication ceremony.
The tree species was selected for its strength, longevity, resilience, ecological value and connection to Ohio’s natural landscape.
White oaks can live 200 to 300 years if cared for properly. The tree also has practical use and is a source of wood for the whiskey and wine industries.
“Trees are living history … (White oak) is native to Ohio, stabilizes soil and contributes to a more diverse and healthier ecosystem,” Wagner said.
To close the event, students gathering around the tree to plant American flags at it’s base. Jill Hawkins underscored the ceremony with Celtic fiddle music.
(Here are Alexandra Hopkins’ photos of the event).
