On Tuesday, October 8, community members, government officials, veterans, and others gathered at the Greene County Veterans Memorial Park in Waynesburg to witness a very special dedication. As part of the America250PA celebrations, Greene County was honored with a planting of its own Liberty Tree.
What is a Liberty Tree? During the American Revolutionary War, the Sons of Liberty often convened under the nation’s original Liberty Tree in Boston to discuss their opposition to British rule in the colonies. This historic tree became a beacon of hope to colonists and a symbol of American freedom. To stymie these colonists, the British destroyed Boston’s Liberty Tree. Patriots throughout the 13 colonies designated new Liberty Trees. The last known original Liberty Tree sat on the campus of Saint John’s University in Maryland until Hurricane Floyd destroyed it in 1999. As part of celebrating America’s Bicentennial, seeds from a cutting of the original tree are being collected, grown into seedlings, and planted across the Commonwealth.
Generously sponsored by and in partnership with the Pennsylvania Freemasons, America250PA’s Liberty Tree Project includes a certified Liberty Tree planted in each of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties over 2021 to 2026. Neighbor Fayette County received their Liberty Tree in autumn 2023.
“Initially, locating a historic site from the Revolutionary War in Greene County proved to be a challenging task. Greene County was officially founded on February 9th, 1796, several years after the Revolutionary War,” JoAnne Marshall, Greene County Tourist Promotion Agency Director, said. “G. Wayne Smith, a local author and historian, described Greene County as a “raw frontier” during the American Revolution, with settlers frequently occupied by the need to defend themselves from [Native American] attacks. Despite the ongoing frontier conflicts, settlers still traveled to aid in the Revolutionary War effort. The Greene County Veterans Memorial Park provides an ample setting for us in Greene County to gather and remember those who sacrificed for American freedom.”
After a welcome from America250PA Executive Director Cassandra Coleman, the Greene County Honor Guard presented the colors, Blair McGill, District Deputy Grand Master of Masonic District 31 led the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, an integral part of getting the Liberty Tree planted in Greene County; Lori Greene sang the National Anthem. Jeffrey Taggert of Laurel Lodge No. 651 performed the opening prayer, followed by more remarks from Coleman.
“We are so proud we are the first state in the nation to have all our counties pass a 250th resolution, becoming partners and showing that we are putting politics and policy aside here in Pennsylvania. We want to continue to lead the nation as we have over the last 250 years and we are very grateful for the support from all our counties,” Coleman said.
During his remarks, County Commissioner Jared Edgreen said, “We are truly honored and blessed to have this history and heritage planted right here in Greene County. We thank you once again for this Liberty Tree and may it …live long and always be a beacon of freedom and liberty in Greene County.”
A presentation of the certificate was followed by remarks from P.J. Roup, Right Worshipful Senior Grant Warden of the Grand Lodge of PA. Thanks were shared with Liberty Tree sponsor First Energy, and Taggert led a closing prayer.
Greene County Memorial Park will soon have another addition, thanks to the Fort Jackson Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. They are installing a memorial in honor of Greene County’s American Revolutionary War. A dedication for the memorial is planned for November 10.
