Burn Ban in Effect. All outdoor burning is prohibited in Franklin County.
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Under beautiful blue skies on Saturday, Oct. 24, community members gathered at Mt. Vernon Square to dedicate the Liberty Tree Mosaic Mural, a colorful tribute to the nation’s 250th anniversary. Created from tiles painted by local residents, the mural celebrates community spirit and patriotism.
Regent Cynthia Weidman welcomed guests on behalf of the Choctaw Trace DAR Chapter, which sponsored the project with the Franklin County Arts Alliance. Teri Dikes, DAR Historian, gave the invocation.
Mayor Greg Ostertagg was on hand to sign the official proclamation celebrating the Liberty Tree as a way to “honor our nation’s history while inspiring future generations to carry forward the ideals of liberty, service, and civic participation.”
“Events like this help hold the town together,” Mayor Ostertagg said.
DAR Registrar Kelli Patrick-Getty gave a brief history of America 250, which began in 2016. She also presented a historical review of the building that displays the Liberty Tree. Many will remember the building as the home of Rutherford Drug Store, but it now houses Kountry Korner Kreations. Lanny Ramsay owns the building and provided the space on the wall for the display.
“I think we have succeeded in covering the three pillars America 250 supports – Engage, Educate, and Ignite,” Getty said.
Regent Weidman gave an overview of the Liberty Tree’s design.
“The Mural is composed of 863 individual tiles, including 600 tiles painted by members of the community,” Regent Weidman said. “It’s a symbol of America.”
Linda Hammond, president of the Franklin County Arts Alliance, said the Arts Alliance's mission is to encourage and promote art. The club felt partnering with the DAR Chapter on the project was a good way to encourage art.
“We even had infants do a handprint or footprint on the individual tiles,” Hammond said.
Diane Patrick, DAR Treasurer, closed the dedication by having the guests join her in reading the Preamble to the United States Constitution.
Guests were then encouraged to view the Liberty Tree, find the tiles they had painted, and take pictures.
