Pendleton, IN – On Sunday, October 27, 2025, the Kikthawenund Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) held a memorable Liberty Tree dedication ceremony in Pendleton, honoring the Army, Navy, and Marines as well as Madison County patriots who served during the American Revolution.
Mary Scott, Regent of the Kikthawenund Chapter, began the program with a hearty greeting. “Good afternoon and welcome to the Pendleton Liberty Tree dedication and our 250th birthday party honoring the Army, Navy, and Marines,” Scott told the crowd. “Today, we celebrate not only our nation’s founding but the enduring courage and sacrifice of those who have served to preserve liberty.”
Anderson University ROTC representative 1st Class Sgt. First Class Vowell, Chapter Chaplain Carole Miller, and Karen Smith, co-chair of the Madison County America 250! Committee all helped with the opening ceremony. The Continental Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution (NSSAR), presented the colors—Vowell led the Pledge of Allegiance, Miller recited The American Creed, and Smith read the preamble to the Constitution. The colors were subsequently formally displayed, signifying the joint mission of the civic and historical organizations.
Scott introduced several distinguished guests in attendance, including Teresa Green, state registrar of the Indiana Society, DAR; Brenda Cotton, Central District director; Scott Reske, Pendleton Town Manager; Denise McKee, planning director; Julie Mitchell, parks gardener; and Deb Weston, president of the Madison County Historical Society. Karen Smith and Carol Grace, co-chairs of the Madison County America 250!. The committee members were also honored for their leadership and commitment.
Brenda Cotton welcomed state regent Elaine Sholty, followed by Kikthawenund Chapter member Teresa Amick, who discussed the history and significance of the Liberty Tree. The original Liberty Tree, she explained, was a large elm near Boston Common that served as a gathering spot for patriots in the years leading up to the American Revolution. The Sons of Liberty, led by Samuel Adams, John Hancock, Paul Revere, and Patrick Henry, organized rallies and promoted the cause of independence. The original tree was felled by Loyalists in 1775, but its legacy endures as a living symbol of American freedom.
A commemorative plaque was presented by Cotton and Julie Mitchell and placed near the newly planted tree. The inscription reads:
“Liberty Tree – America 250! In honor of America’s 250th birthday and the American Revolutionary soldiers and patriots buried in Madison County, Indiana. Kikthawenund Chapter, NSDAR, and Madison County Historical Society. Tree donated by Blue Grass Farms. October 27, 2025.”
Rosemary Summerville, a Vietnam veteran and Marine Corps spokeswoman, tied a ceremonial ribbon around the Liberty Tree to commemorate the Marine Corps’ distinguished history, which dates back to its establishment on November 10, 1775.
Vowell, representing the United States Army, also spoke to the crowd, commenting on the significance of the day.
“It is my honor to represent the Army today,” he said. “Any time we can respect and support the community, it is fantastic. Events like this remind us that freedom comes at a cost, and it’s up to every generation to preserve it.”
The ceremony also commemorated the Navy’s inception on October 13, 1775, as well as early heroes such as John Paul Jones and Esek Hopkins, whose valor on the seas significantly contributed to the country’s independence.
Scott thanked everyone who attended the event, as well as the community partners who made the dedication possible.
“The Liberty Tree stands as a living reminder of our nation’s enduring fight for freedom,” she told the crowd. “May it grow strong for generations to come.”