Liberty tree planted on State Capitol grounds honors American patriots for years to come

A liberty tree was planted Friday on the Montana State Capitol lawn in Helena to stand as a symbol of recognition for American patriots who gave people the freedoms they have today, officials said.

The event, organized in collaboration between the Montana State Society Daughters of the American Revolution and Montana Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, took place on Capitol grounds Friday afternoon and featured speeches and a tree planting.

A brief history lesson about the tree was offered by MTSSAR President Don Reed, who mentioned historical facts about the elm tree, including that the Boston Tea Party was organized under the same kind of tree.

Janice Hand, MTSSDAR regent, said it was important the tree was planted on Capitol grounds because of what it represented.

"We chose a location that was available to everybody. We didn't plant this in the wilds of Wibaux, Dillon or Chinook," she said.

Hand said if people visit the Capitol they should spend a couple of minutes with the tree and remember that it was dedicated to the "American patriots."

"They did everything imaginable and against horrific odds to make sure that we do have our liberties and our freedom of speech and everything that we've got today," Hand said. "We wouldn't have it without them and we forget because it happened a long time ago."