THOMASVILLE – The Thomasville Garden Club planted two trees on Friday, February 21, which has now been recognized as Arbor Day in Thomas County.

The trees that were planted included the Liberty Tree, one of 250 being planted before the 250th birthday of the United States in 2026. The other tree was planted in honor of Marie Andrews “for her service and dedication to Thomasville Garden Club, Inc.”

The ceremony started with the presentation of the colors. The Thigpen Trail Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution presented the original USA flag before the Thomasville High School JROTC Color Guard presented the colors.

Several guests spoke during the ceremony, including State Regent of the Georgia State Society National Society Daughters of the American Revolution Helen Powell.

“By planting the Liberty Trees we are hoping to educate the public on the importance of the American Revolution and the sacrifices that were made to become our nation,” Powell said.

Karen Wilks of the Killarney Queen Garden Club said, “when you plant a tree you plant hope.”

After several speakers, Thomasville Landmarks presented the first tree that honored Marrie Andrews of Thomasville, which was accepted by Marge Willis.

Charlotte Brown, a historian with the Thomasville chapter of NSDAR then took the stand to talk about the history of the Liberty Tree and America’s 250th birthday. The Liberty Tree was a rally point for protests against the British Government in Boston before the Revolutionary War. The tree was eventually cut down and used for firewood by the British and loyalists to try and lower the morale of American patriots.

The tree and a plaque were presented to the Thomasville Garden Club by Brown and Regent Shelba Sellers.

Later, Trey Ezell of the Georgia Forestry Commission presented Thomasville City Councilman Scott Chastain with a “Tree City USA” banner, recognizing Thomasville as a Tree City.

The ceremony concluded with closing remarks by Brown and the group went outside for some pictures with the new Liberty Tree.