The original Liberty Tree was one of a group of elms in an enclosure at the intersection of Essex Street and Orange Street (now Washington Street) in colonial Boston, Massachusetts. Some 120 years old at the time, it was the largest tree in the grove and the one chosen for the colonists' first public "statement" of resistance to the British Crown government. When British soldiers cut down the original Liberty Tree in 1775 it yielded 14 cords of firewood. The last surviving Liberty Tree - a tulip poplar in Annapolis, Maryland - died in 1999.
The Veterians of Foreign War (VFW) and American Forests want to continue the Liberty Tree concept by planting a forest for liberty. They are welcoming help and leading an effort to plant a tree for every member of the Armed Forces. There are currently 1,384,000 men and women serving our nation, and their trees will be planted in four Liberty Tree Forests.
According to LibertyForest.org - "The environmental impact of the Liberty Trees will be substantial, helping preserve the future for those who protect ours. Future generations will not only benefit from cleaner air and water,reduced pollution, improved wildlife habitat and erosion prevention, they will see the trees as lasting reminders of our patriotic spirit and support for our troops.".
With the sacrifices our troups are making in the war with Iraq, you just may want to include this as part of your effort to honor our American fighting men and women.
