City of Newberry and Gainesville Sons of the American Revolution to dedicate a Liberty Tree on April 11
Press release from Gainesville Sons of the American Revolution
NEWBERRY, Fla. – The Newberry community will gather on April 11 to honor America’s founding ideals with the dedication of a Liberty Tree, a symbol of freedom, unity, and civic responsibility dating back to the American Revolution.
The Liberty Tree Project, led by the Gainesville Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) Chapter in partnership with the City of Newberry, commemorates the historic role these trees played in colonial America as gathering places where citizens expressed opposition to tyranny and affirmed their commitment to liberty.
During the colonial times, Liberty Trees, usually elm trees, appeared throughout the colonies and became powerful symbols of resistance to British rule. Under their branches, colonists organized, debated, and pledged themselves to the cause of independence.
The Liberty Tree to be dedicated in Newberry will serve as a living monument, in hopes that it will be used in that same manner: to discuss current events and use the rights patriots fought for in the American Revolution.
“This project is about more than a tree,” said Randy Highsmith, President of the Gainesville Chapter of the SAR. “It is about planting history, civic pride, and a reminder that freedom carries responsibility.”
The April 11 ceremony will include remarks by Newberry Mayor Tim Marden and Highsmith; Representative Kat Cammack has not confirmed her attendance yet. The Newberry tree is an Elm, a Winged Elm in fact, native to Florida, so it should withstand the test of time. The site will serve as an educational and civic landmark for students, families, veterans, and visitors. Revolutionary War attire will be worn by some, and the Buchholz HS ROTC Color Guard will participate along with other guests. The first 50 people to arrive will receive a limited edition pin commemorating the event.
The Sons of the American Revolution is a non-profit, non-political organization dedicated to preserving the memory and spirit of the men and women who achieved American independence. Special thanks to Mike Barron of Blooming House Nursery.
Event Details
- What: Sons of the American Revolution/Newberry City Liberty Tree Dedication
- When: April 11 at 1:00 p.m., following the Revolutionary War battle recreation
- Where: Newberry, at the New City Hall
- Who: All are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Of coarse Kat will not attend. Abdication of her responsibility to ensure accountability is her calling card…
Federalist No. 70 (Hamilton) addresses the fear that a single executive is a monarch. Hamilton argues energy in the executive is compatible with republicanism — the danger isn’t a single person holding executive power, but that person holding it without accountability.
Federalist No. 48 (Madison) warns against any branch accumulating enough power to become tyrannical, explicitly invoking the lesson that unchecked power — as in monarchy — leads to despotism.
Federalist No. 51 (Madison) — the famous “ambition must be made to counteract ambition” essay — is essentially a structural argument for why the Constitution prevents any one person or faction from achieving kingly dominance.