The Pickens County America 250 Committee and the Pickens County Historical Society, the afternoon of Sunday, April 19, 2026, held a special ceremony to dedicate a Liberty Tree and a Patriot Tree in front of the Pickens County Courthouse as part of our nation’s 250^th birthday celebration this year. The two scarlet oaks were chosen by the late Dennis Chastain, who served as a member of both organizations.

Ron Masters, who served as Master of Ceremonies for the event, welcomed everyone to the ceremony. “Good afternoon, Pickens County patriots. On behalf of the Pickens County America 250 Committee and the Pickens County Historical Society, it is my distinct honor to welcome you to this special occasion. As we begin this ceremony, may we be mindful that the freedoms we celebrate were hard won and remain a sacred trust – one that calls each generation to remembrance, stewardship, and faithful service.”

Masters then introduced Pickens Mayor Isaiah Scipio, to give the invocation. “Before I give the invocation,” Mayor Scipio said, “I would like to present a proclamation for this blessed event. The City of Pickens, South Carolina, Office of the Mayor, a proclamation, ‘Liberty Rooted in the Community’: WHEREAS, the strength and endurance of a free society depend upon the firm foundations like a tree whose deep roots anchor it against the forces of time and storm; and WHEREAS, the principles of liberty in the United States are grounded in enduring ideals, including justice, equality, and rule of law, which sustain and guide our communities; and WHEREAS, just as a tree grows upward toward the light, the citizens of Pickens County are called to pursue opportunity, knowledge, and a higher standard of civic responsibility for the betterment of all; And WHEREAS, the diversity found within the forest reflects the strength of our community, where individuals of different backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences come together in unity to form a stronger whole; and WHEREAS, the resilience of the tree trunk in the face of wind and storm serves as a reminder of the perseverance required to protect and preserve the freedoms we hold so dear; and WHEREAS, the branches of the tree extend upwardly, freely symbolizing essential freedoms of speech, expression, and thoughts that are the cornerstone of a democratic society; THEREFORE, I, Isaiah Scipio, Mayor of the City of Pickens, South Carolina do hereby proclaim the importance of recognizing and promoting the enduring principles of liberty as symbolized through the natural characteristics of trees, I call upon all citizens to remain rooted in our shared values, committed to growth, united in our diversity, and steadfast in the preservation of freedom. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I thereto set my hand upon the Official Seal of the City of Pickens and it is affixed this day in April, 2026, Isaiah Scipio.”

Mayor Scipio then gave the invocation. “Let us pray. Oh, God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires are known, and no secrets are hid, we come here first and foremost with thanksgiving in our hearts, thanking you for being who you are, but, God, above all, who watches all, and protects all, Father, I thank you for this opportunity to come together at this blessed event. May it be an opportunity to draw people closer together in the unity of this nation, instead of bringing forth divisions. Father, we thank you for everyone that’s going to take a part in this. We thank you for all the organizers. And we thank you for all that came. Now, Father, we want to thank you for blessing us with life, liberty, and the opportunity for the pursuit of happiness. Now, Father, speak through us, speak for us, so that, at the last days, as a righteous Judge, you will not have to speak against us. In Christ Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.”

Masters thanked Mayor Scipio and asked everyone to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag, led by the Boy Scouts of Troop 51, and the Pledge of Allegiance to the South Carolina flag, led by Bill Williamson (South Carolina Militia) and the singing of the “Star-Spangled Banner,” the national anthem, by Kayla Culbertson.

Masters then introduced Pickens County Administrator Ken Roper, to “bring greetings on behalf of Pickens County and recognize honored guests.”

“It is my pleasure to welcome you all here on behalf of Pickens County,” Roper told the crowd. “I see several dignitaries, but I see a courthouse lawn full of dignitaries. You are all here, and I want to recognize all of you and welcome you, because we are all citizens of this city, this county, this beautiful state, and this wonderful nation. No one individual, man or woman, no matter what, stands over all of us. We all have the same inalienable rights. And, so, I’m just proud to stand here on this wonderful day and remember that and share it with all of you.” He then recognized Greater Pickens Chamber of Commerce Membership Director Lisa Turnick, Pickens City Council member Jonathan Baker, Pickens Police Chief Randal Beach, State Representative Neal Collins from Easley, and State Senator Rex Rice, who all were in attendance. “In all of my years practicing law at this courthouse,” Roper added, “I was in front of many, many judges, many, many reasonable and learned jurists, but my favorite judge of all was Judge Karen Roper, with Family Court,” he said, speaking of his wife. “And, so, we thank her for being here. We appreciate all of these dignitaries being here.”

Masters then introduced Pickens County Clerk of Court Pat Welborn, who shared what the Liberty Tree stands for. “Today, we gather beneath the promise of liberty – to dedicate not just a tree but a living reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and vision that gave birth to our nation,” said Welborn. “The Liberty Tree stands as a symbol of unity – a place where voices were raised, where freedom was claimed, and where the seeds of independence were planted.”

Masters then introduced Wayne Kelley, Senior Vice President of the Pickens County Historical Society, who gave a historic reflection on the origin of the Liberty Tree. “The original Liberty Tree stood in colonial America as a gathering place for patriots – a symbol of resistance to tyranny, and a beacon of hope for independence,” said Kelley. “In Charleston, citizens gathered beneath the Liberty Tree to protest unjust laws and unite for freedom. The symbolic power of the Liberty Trees was so potent that the British made a point of destroying them when they occupied colonial cities. Sir Henry Clinton ordered the Charleston Liberty Tree to be felled and burned to ‘oblivion’ to break the spirit of the local resistance. Though that tree was destroyed by the British, its spirit was never lost. Today, we will dedicate our Liberty Tree as a living symbol that Liberty lives here in Pickens County, just as it did in Charleston these 250 years ago.”

Masters then introduced Pickens County America 250 Committee Chair Carolyn Nations, who dedicated the Liberty Tree. “Today, as we dedicate this Liberty Tree, we do more than remember the past – we continue it,” said Nations. “At this time, we dedicate this Tree to the memory of those patriots whose courage helped birth a nation and to the generations who will follow after us. May this tree stand as a living witness to liberty. May it remind us of the deep and enduring roots of freedom. May it call us to lives of faithfulness, courage, and gratitude. This Liberty Tree is dedicated in honor of the brave men and women of the American Revolution and as a lasting reminder that freedom must be remembered, it must be protected, and it must be passed on. By the authority entrusted to us and with grateful hearts, we dedicate this Liberty Tree in honor of America’s 250th Anniversary and in everlasting remembrance of the cause of freedom. Thank you.”

Masters then introduced Fort Prince George DAR Chapter Regent Joyce Hansel, who dedicated the Patriot Tree. “Today, as we stand in the shadow of liberty, we pause to remember those who made it possible,” said Hansel. “This tree is dedicated in honor of the brave Patriots—known and unknown—who secured our freedom through courage, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion to the cause of liberty. They left their homes, their families, and the safety of ordinary life to stand for something greater than themselves. Many never returned. Yet, through their sacrifice, a nation was born. May this tree stand as a living memorial to their legacy. May its roots remind us of the price of freedom. May its branches reach toward heaven in gratitude. And may we, the beneficiaries of their sacrifice, live lives worthy of the liberty they secured.”

Masters then introduced Bud Starnes, President of the General Andrew Pickens Society, Sons of the American Revolution, who rang the bell of freedom 13 times. “To honor the spirit of liberty and unity, we will ring this bell as they did in 1776, for the original 13 colonies,” said Starnes.

Heather Thompson, Senior Leader of the Dicey Langston Society, Children of the American Revolution, and her son, Micah Thompson, and daughter, Naomi Thompson, then came forward and spoke these words: “We are the keepers of liberty. We remember, we honor, we carry the story forward.”

Bill Williamson then dedicated the marker for the Liberty Tree. “We now come to the unveiling of the marker at the base of the Liberty Tree,” said Williamson. “This marker stands as a witness to the enduring spirit of liberty first kindled in the hearts of patriots and carried forward for generations. As this tree grows and flourishes, may it remind all who pass by that freedom was not easily won and must never be taken for granted. May it call us to live worthy. At this time, if any children will join me over at the Liberty Tree, we will sprinkle some dirt to signify its importance.” He then gave the children present some dirt from the gravesite of Revolutionary War General Andrew Pickens, and they sprinkled the dirt around the tree.

Masters then introduced Paul Cashion to dedicate the marker for the Patriot Tree. “We now come to the unveiling of the marker at the base of the Patriot Tree,” said Cashion. “This marker is dedicated in honor of the brave men and women of Pickens County whose courage and sacrifice helped secure the blessings of liberty. Their service is the foundation upon which our freedoms stand. As this tree takes root and grows, may it serve as a lasting tribute to their legacy—and a reminder that we are called to remember, to honor, and to carry their example forward. I invite children to join me at the marker.” Cashion then gave a small amount of dirt to children, who sprinkled the dirt around the tree.

Masters then asked everyone to stand for the playing of “Taps” by Cashion, portraying a Revolutionary War soldier, and to remain standing for the benediction by Mayor Scipio.

“Thank you for joining us for this special occasion,” Masters concluded. “May this day remain in our hearts, and may this Liberty Tree stand for generations as a reminder that the blessings of liberty are both a gift and a responsibility.” He then invited the crowd to the courthouse porch for refreshments, including a patriotic red, white, and blue cake with a picture of a Liberty Tree and the words ‘Rooted in Liberty, Growing Freedom for Generations, Pickens County America 250.’