06/18/2026
Scott County, Kentucky
June 18, 2026 | Liberty Tree Dedication
Today at Brooking Park, Scott County had the honor of participating in a truly meaningful ceremony — the dedication of our Liberty Tree, in partnership with the Big Spring Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
In this 250th Anniversary year of our Declaration of Independence, a native Tulip Poplar was planted at Brooking Park as a living monument to the American Patriots whose courage and sacrifice gave birth to our great nation. The Liberty Tree has deep roots in our country's history — in towns and cities across the thirteen colonies, patriots gathered beneath these trees as symbols of their commitment to freedom. Today, that tradition came home to Scott County.
"May this tree stand as a living, enduring symbol of the deep roots of our democracy and of the noble sacrifices made to advance the cause of independence. As it grows and withstands the storms of time, may we, too, remain steadfast in our defense of liberty and justice."
It was a privilege to share the history of the Liberty Tree with those gathered today, and to witness the DAR's beautiful dedication ceremony — including the unveiling of the commemorative plaque that will stand with this tree for generations to come.
A special thank you to John Traylor and the entire team at Commonwealth Tool and Machine for their outstanding custom fabrication of the dedication plaque. Their craftsmanship and community spirit made this ceremony complete, and we are proud to have a local business whose work will stand as a lasting part of this memorial.
On behalf of the Scott County Fiscal Court, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to the Big Spring Chapter of the DAR for their partnership on this ceremony and for their ongoing dedication to honoring our nation's founding heritage.
Representing Scott County Fiscal Court today:
Judge Executive Joe Pat Covington
Magistrate Chad Wallace
Magistrate Rob Jones
Magistrate Ryan Pratt
JR Brandenburg, Roads & Maintenance Director
Drew Beckett, Parks & Recreation Director
Thank you all for being present today, may this Tulip Poplar take deep root in the soil of Scott County and stand as a reminder of the freedoms we are bound to protect.
Judge/Executive Joe Pat Covington