‘Liberty Tree’ planting kicks off Franklin County’s celebration of America’s Semiquincentennial
To describe the Wednesday morning event held at the Franklin County Archives as simply a ‘tree planting ceremony’ would be an injustice to those who planned and hosted it.
The planting of a Liberty Tree, a Princeton Elm,was the centerpiece of Franklin County’s kickoff to commemorate America’s Semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of the July 4, 1776, signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The celebration event incorporated elected officials from Franklin County, its five municipalities, members of the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and representatives from the county’s three garden clubs, each taking a symbolic role in planting the tree.
Franklin County Probate Judge Barry Moore emceed the ceremony, which opened with an invocation by North Highlands Church of Christ Minister Jeff Johnson, the raising of the American flag by the Russellville High School Junior ROTC class, the Pledge of Allegiance led by Grant Atkins and the National Anthem performed by Franklin County Commissioner Joseph Baldwin.
The eight-foot Princeton Elm was given to Franklin County by the Alabama U.S.A. Semiquincentennial Commission, which awarded a Liberty Tree to each of Alabama’s 67 counties. County officials were asked to select a site to plant the Liberty Tree and display the accompanying plaque denoting its significance.
The Franklin County Archives, which houses the county’s history, was selected as the new home for the young Princeton Elm.
Franklin County Extension Director Katernia Cole-Coffey shared the significance of elm trees in American history.
“Leading up to the American Revolution, a stately elm tree on the Boston Common became a rallying point for the growing resistance to the rule of Britain over the American colonies,” Cole-Coffey said.
“In August 1775, loyalists cut down the original Liberty Tree in an attempt to stop the colonists. In response, patriots throughout the 13 colonies began to designate new Liberty Trees.
“Today, we plant this Liberty Tree and dedicate it to past generations that settled here in Franklin County and look forward to new generations making this great county their home,” she added.
Franklin County Archives Director Buffie Osborn spoke next, sharing that Franklin County was named after Benjamin Franklin, who at age 70 was the elder statesman of those who signed the Declaration of Independence.
Franklin County’s four commissioners each collected soil from their district and dropped it onto the Liberty Tree, representing the people who have lived and worked on the land we call Franklin County.
“It is not merely dirt: it is a respository of history that holds traces of past generations who lived here,” Moore said before introducing each commissioner.
Chamber Board members collected water from Franklin County’s three major creeks, Bear Creek, Cedar Creek and Little Bear Creek, and poured it onto the tree to symbolize unity, shared roots and the county’s flourishing future.
Representatives from the Red Bay Garden Club, Rural Acres Garden Club and Cultura Garden Club added fertilizer to help the tree flourish for future generations of Franklin Countians to enjoy.
Mayors David Grissom (Russellville), Mike Shewbart (Red Bay), Greg Williams (Phil Campbell), Sue Raper (Vina) and Brian Scott (Hodges) were invited to complete the planting by adding shovels of soil onto the tree.
Moore concluded the ceremony by sharing the symbolism of the Liberty Tree planting.
“250 years ago, our founding fathers planted a bold idea. Today, we plant a living symbol of that enduring promise. May this tree grow tall. May its roots grow deep. And may the United States of America continue to grow in liberty, justice and opportunity for all,” Moore said.