When a special American Liberty Elm puts down roots in Warwick on June 25, it will be much more than a tree. It will be a “Liberty Tree,” a living, growing tribute to our country’s freedom and founding.   The  City of Warwick Liberty Tree Memorial was made possible by a grant from Elm Research Institute, a non-profit organization in Keene, NH.

On Thursday, June 25 at 5:30 p.m. in Pawtuxet Park, Mayor Scott Avedisian and representatives from local civic groups will plant a disease-resistant American Liberty Elm, and install a special bronze plaque with an inscription that recounts the history of Boston's Liberty Tree, an American elm that was the rallying place for the Sons of Liberty in the American Revolution. The program will include a brief speaking program and the recitation of the poem “Liberty Tree” by Thomas Paine. The public is cordially invited to attend.

“The city is grateful to the Elm Research Institute and their supporters, who made the donation of the American Liberty Elm possible,” said Mayor Scott Avedisian. “The placement of the tree in Pawtuxet, where the burning of the HMS Gaspee took place, is particularly appropriate. This dedication ceremony will celebrate our nation’s history and underscores the importance of environmental restoration and protection. This tree planting also complements our ongoing urban forestry efforts.”

For more than 10 years, Elm Research Institute, Keene, NH, has been establishing Liberty Tree Memorials in communities across the country to commemorate the birth of freedom and help restore the American elm. Elm Research Institute, a non-profit organization, was established in 1967 with the purpose of saving the American elm from extinction. ERI sponsored genetic research that resulted in the American Liberty Elm, a purebred descendant of disease-resistant American elms. It is the only elm with a Lifetime Warranty against Dutch elm disease. Over 300,000 have been planted since 1984.

For information about the American Liberty Elm or the Liberty Tree Memorial program, phone Elm Research Institute at 1-800-367-3567, visit online at www.elmresearch.org or write to Elm Research Institute, 11 Kit Street, Keene, NH 03431.

NOTE TO EDITOR: PICTURES: ON REQUEST 11 Kit Street, Keene NH 03431
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J.P. Hansel, Founder, Elm Research Institute
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Sue Baker, City of Warwick, 738-2000, ext. 6205