The city of Newberry is partnering with Gainesville’s Sons of the American Revolution (SOR) to plant and dedicate a Liberty Tree at City Hall on Saturday, April 11, in honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States.  

Gainesville SOR President Randy Highsmith said Liberty Trees serve as living monuments of a tradition dating back to colonial times, when patriots would gather around a tree to discuss issues about taxation and liberty.  

Newberry will dedicate the tree at 1 p.m. at City Hall (25440 W Newberry Rd.) following a reenactment of the Battle of Lexington and Concord.  

The ceremony will feature a bronze plaque detailing some of the Liberty Tree’s history, the Buchholz High School ROTC color guard and comments from Highsmith, Newberry Mayor Tim Marden and potentially U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack. The first 50 attendees will receive exclusive event pins.   

“We are excited to commemorate the 250th in such a way,” said Marden in a text to Mainstreet. “People can see this tree in the years to come and remember the goodness of America every time they do.” 

According to Highsmith, SOR is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history and educating future generations. It’s made up of nearly 40 descendants of those who supported the cause of American independence.  

Highsmith said SOR reached out to multiple cities in Alachua County about partnering for Liberty Trees and Newberry was the first to accept.   

The original Liberty Tree was a large American Elm tree in Boston, Massachusetts, planted in 1646 and frequented by protestors of the Stamp Act in 1765. British soldiers cut the tree down and burned it during the Siege of Boston 10 years later.  

Liberty Trees like Newberry’s have since been planted across the U.S., aiming to provide new gathering places while reminding communities about the price of freedom fought for during the Revolutionary War. 

Newberry will plant a Winged Elm, a species native to Florida, procured from Blooming House Nursery. 

Highsmith said the tree stands for legacy and the freedoms enjoyed today began with ordinary people willing to stand together. 

“I remember [America’s] Bicentennial in 1976 and the pride it created. In a small way, I hope this does the same for the next generation,” he said. “I hope people leave remembering that liberty is not automatic. Every generation has to understand it, value it and protect it. This tree is a reminder of that.”