A ceremony honoring 250 years of American freedom was held Saturday at VFW Post 6097, where community members gathered to celebrate following the planting of a symbolic Liberty Tree.
The event took place outdoors in front of a monument bearing the names of Adair County residents who died in military service. A tulip poplar, Kentucky’s state tree, was planted nearby prior to the ceremony.
Deputy County Judge Bridget Compton opened the program, followed by remarks from VFW Post 6097 Commander Russell Lunsford, who served as keynote speaker.
Lunsford traced the origins of the Liberty Tree back to the years leading up to the American Revolution, describing it as a rallying point for colonists resisting British rule. The original tree, located near Boston Common, became a symbol of “independence, growth and strength” and a gathering place for the Sons of Liberty as they protested taxation without representation.
He noted that the symbolism endured even after British soldiers cut down the tree in 1775 in an effort to suppress rebellion. “It did not,” Lunsford said, emphasizing that the spirit of resistance continued and ultimately helped fuel the Revolutionary War.
In his remarks, Lunsford highlighted the leadership and sacrifices of key figures in the nation’s founding, including George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin. He described them as men who risked their lives and fortunes to establish a democratic nation, noting that many faced the threat of execution if captured by British forces.
“The birth of the United States can only be understood through the divine work of God,” Lunsford said, adding that a unique group of leaders came together “at one time in history” to guide the country through its founding.
He also pointed to the estimated 25,000 American soldiers who died during the Revolutionary War, calling them patriots whose sacrifices laid the foundation for the freedoms enjoyed today.
Connecting national history to local heritage, Lunsford said many Kentucky families can trace their roots to Revolutionary War veterans who received land grants in the region. He shared that his own ancestor was among those settlers.
The planting of the Liberty Tree at the VFW post was described as both a tribute to the past and an investment in the future. Lunsford said the tulip poplar mirrors similar Liberty Trees from the 1700s and serves as a lasting symbol for the community.
“What better place than the grounds of Columbia’s VFW Post 6097 to have a Liberty Tree,” he said, calling it a recognition of “that shining moment in America’s history when patriots fought and died for the freedom we enjoy today.”
He added that the tree will one day provide shade over the nearby monument and serve as a gathering place for future generations.
“When some of us are gone, what better legacy to children and grandchildren than a beautiful 50-year-old Liberty Tree to gather around and celebrate the 300th birthday of our country,” Lunsford said.
Lunsford closed by thanking those who helped make the event possible, including the Kentucky Division of Forestry for providing the tree and local officials for supporting the project. He also expressed gratitude for the community’s attendance and reflected on the nation’s history.
“It hasn’t always been easy, but with His grace, it’s been easy enough,” he said.
