THE GORGE — In commemoration of the 250th anniversary of this great country, the Celilo Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) planted three trees that will be dedicated as Liberty Trees.Â
The original Liberty Tree was a large elm located near the Boston Common. It became a popular meeting place for Boston citizens in the 1760s. The Sons of Liberty, a secret society of men who advocated for the rights of colonists, met at the tree, staged protests to British taxation and rule, and hung effigies of British officials from its branches. The Liberty Tree continued to be a place for demonstrations, tarring and featherings of Royal officials, and displays of mock executions under the tree. It didn’t take long for other towns and cities across colonial America to begin designating liberty trees for places of protest to British taxation.
In 1775, understanding its significance, Loyalists and British soldiers cut this mighty elm tree down and burned it. While the Liberty Tree no longer existed, it continued to be a powerful symbol in the colonies. The Daughters of the American Revolution and the Sons of the American Revolution have planted Liberty Trees across the country as visible symbols of unity, resilience, and liberty.
Although not an elm, in this case flowering dogwoods have been planted in three of our communities which are being dedicated as follows, all beginning at 11 a.m.:
Wednesday, June 10 — Daubenspeck Park, Bingen
Friday, June 12 — IOOF Cemetery, The Dalles
Wednesday, June 17 — Mann Park, Hood River
Please join the members of Celilo Chapter, DAR at any or all of these events as they dedicate these trees and remember those who helped win the liberty that we continue to enjoy.
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