American Elm planted to commemorate America's 250th

*Jasper Mayor Ryan Craig finishes filling the hole the American Elm was planted in near the Jasper Public Library.*

The Jasper Chamber of Commerce and Patoka 2000 hosted a tree planting and blessing at the Jasper Public Library on Friday morning.

In honor of the country’s 250th Anniversary, the groups planted an American elm as a local Liberty Tree, hearkening back to the original. That elm tree located in Boston was a gathering place for the Sons of Liberty before the Revolutionary War.

Pointing to that history, Chamber Director Nancy Eckerle stated that the tree, “serves as a symbol of American freedom, resistance and unity.”

In his comments, Mayor Ryan Craig connected the tree planting to Jasper’s timber heritage and to the Patoka River waterway, which transported logs downstream.

“We’re planning an American Elm, a species historically cherished as a Liberty Tree,” he said. “As we bless this tree, we are blessing the shade, the health and the future of Jasper for generations.

*Randy K. Helderman led the Sons of the Revolution Color Guard for a flag ceremony during the event.*

Christine Hildenbrand, vice regent of the Dubois County chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, explained the historical significance of Liberty Trees.

“On August 14, 1765, anger over the Stamp Act spread. Merchants and artisans hung an effigy in its branches in protest,” Hildenbrand said during the ceremony. “The scene drew hundreds of Bostonians and ignited a movement.”

When the Stamp Act was eventually repealed, colonists hung lanterns in the branches in celebration. Eventually, the British cut down the original tree, hoping to destroy the symbolic location, but the trees became gathering spots around the colony for those seeking to resist British rule.

“Although the original elm is now gone, its spirit endures in the Liberty Trees planted across America, living reminders of the courage, conviction and unyielding hope that inspired the birth of our nation,” Hildenbrand said.

After the tree was planted, Father John Brosmer gave a blessing and sprinkled holy water on it.

“Lord, may You bless this Liberty Tree to grow like our nation and be a place for others to reside, rest, work and build families to create strong communities, so our country can compile another 250 years of life,” he prayed. “May you bless us so we can be those worthy stewards of this earth who wait for the Master’s return.”