GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – A new tree along the Fox River is meant to represent something much bigger than just Arbor Day.
Storm Team 5’s Nathan Himpsl gives weather presentation to local students
City leaders and community partners gathered Friday near Dousman Street to plant a “Liberty Tree,” tying Green Bay to a tradition that dates back to the American Revolution.
The original Liberty Tree stood in Boston, where colonists gathered to protest British taxes and organize resistance before the Revolutionary War. That tree eventually became a symbol of unity before it was cut down by British soldiers.
Now, that same symbolism is taking root in Green Bay.
“This represents an enduring symbol of what happened back then,” said Bob Haglund with the Sons of the American Revolution. “It was so important that different cities started bringing in liberty trees so they could join in on this celebration.”
The planting also serves as a starting point for the city’s upcoming America 250 celebration, marking the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Mayor Eric Genrich said the city is planning to expand its usual Fourth of July events.
“We’re going even bigger and better this year recognizing the 250th anniversary that we are going to be celebrating here,” Genrich said. “Just so thrilled to have so many partners excited to celebrate with us.”
That celebration is expected to bring a full day of events to downtown Green Bay.
“We’ve got the run starting off things at 9:30 in the morning,” Genrich said. “Following that, we’re going to have the program… some great patriotic music… and then rolling into the larger celebration with fireworks and activities for kids.”
Organizers say the day will also include performances and partnerships across the community.
That includes involvement from the Oneida Nation, a performance by the Weidner Philharmonic featuring American composers and a community-wide quilt project where participants will create individual pieces to be stitched together and unveiled during the Fourth of July celebration.
Storm Team 5’s Jordan Lamers visits Greenville Middle School for weather chat with students
Organizers say more details are still being finalized, with additional announcements expected in the coming months as planning continues around Leicht Park.
The Liberty Tree will remain as a lasting symbol along the Fox River, connecting the country’s founding history to how communities like Green Bay plan to celebrate it 250 years later.
