The County is gearing up for two heartfelt, patriotic ceremonies. The Board of County Commissioners, including Commissioner Sean Parks and me, will plant two liberty trees in April to memorialize our history and celebrate Arbor Day (April 26).
The first will occur at Umatilla High School on April 26, at 9:30 a.m., and the second will be on April 29, at 10 a.m., at East Ridge High School.
Civic engagement is so important, especially for our youngest generation, so these events will be open to the public.
Those who know me know I love history and how it impacts our daily lives. This Liberty Tree planting is taking a step back in time to 1765. We find ourselves in Boston, where the seeds of the Liberty Tree tradition were first sown.
It was a tumultuous era marked by the Stamp Act. At the time of the Stamp Act protest, a towering elm tree became a symbolic gathering place for citizens to unite as a single unit. This powerful concept swiftly spread across the colonies. Liberty Trees emerged as sacred spaces where patriots could support the collective wisdom needed to navigate the turbulent times.
I am proud to say that the planting of Liberty Trees has become a cherished Lake County tradition. Thanks to the generous donations from Cherrylake, Inc., we’ve been able to plant multiple trees in different parts of our county.
These trees, symbolizing our nation’s commitment to preserving its historical roots and the value of liberty, are meticulously maintained by our dedicated county employees. They serve as a constant reminder of our shared history and the values we hold dear.
In continuing this noble tradition, Cherrylake, Inc. has again stepped up and generously donated two new trees for this year’s ceremonies. The dedication, planned for public schools to motivate the community’s students to attend and engage with their local government, promises to be more than just an event; it’s a profound local affair that connects the community with its history.
I can’t wait for the dedication of the new Liberty Trees. Our Liberty Trees remind us of the courage that shaped our nation. It’s a chance for our community to come together and reflect on the sacrifices made for our freedom. These trees will become a symbol to remind present and future generations of the resilient spirit that unites us.
Please mark your calendars and join me on April 26 at Umatilla High School, and for my friends in the South Lake area, April 29 at East Ridge High School. I look forward to joining my neighbors to collectively honor those who paved the way for our liberty and, in doing so, contribute to the growing legacy of Lake County. After all, this event isn’t just about the past; it’s about fostering a sense of unity and shared history that will continue to thrive beneath the shade of the Liberty Trees in Lake County.
