Jefferson City, Mo. – In late April, Sen. Brian Munzlinger, R-Williamstown, took part in an hour-long Liberty Tree planting ceremony on the Missouri State Capitol grounds. The event was part of a continued celebration of National Volunteer Month and the 4-H True Leaders in Service Initiative.
The original Liberty Tree was planted in 1646 and stood near Boston Common during the Revolutionary War. In the years leading up to the war, the Liberty Tree was a well-known meeting place for those who wanted out from underneath the yoke of British tyranny. The tree quickly came to represent the revolutionary spirit and the desire for liberty. The idea spread throughout the 13 colonies, with each colony selecting its own Liberty Tree where they could meet.
The very last of the original Liberty Trees was a tulip poplar that stood on the grounds of St. John’s College in Annapolis, Maryland, until it was felled by Hurricane Floyd in 1999. Prior to its death, 14 seedlings were successfully germinated from it and planted throughout the 13 colonies. To further preserve the legacy of the Liberty Tree, a bud-grafting program was launched, through which several bud-grafted trees were grown.
The ceremony, also featured remarks by 4-H Foundation trustee Breanne Brammer. Event attendees included members of the 4-H community, Missouri 4-H faculty and staff, 4-H Foundation staff and trustees, Crader Distributing, state lawmakers and the public.
For more information about the Missouri Capitol or the Missouri Senate, please visit the Missouri Senate’s website at www.senate.mo.gov.