(Photo by Amber Phipps) Members of the Sons of the American Revolution prepare the flags for the America 250 Heritage Tree planting.

A Heritage Tree white oak species was planted at Gold Star Park on Thursday as part of a program under America 250.

America will celebrate its 250th anniversary next year and to commemorate the celebration, each state has been encouraged to commission a group to plan events leading up to the nation’s birthday.

The Ohio Commission for the Semiquincentennial, or America 250-Ohio Commission, has spearheaded the celebration with events leading up to the anniversary in July 2026.

“The state of Ohio has created a really wonderful commission that has been working for years now to prepare for this,” said Northwest Territory Museum Society Executive Director Erin Augenstein. “And one of the events they created was a heritage tree event.”

The Heritage Tree program is to plant a species of white oak tree in all 88 of Ohio’s counties. The inspiration came from the historic Liberty Tree located in Boston around the time of the Revolutionary War. From 2025 to 2026, white oaks will be planted all across the state.

(Photo by Amber Phipps) Washington County Commissioner James Booth speaks at the tree planting ceremony at Gold Star Park on Thursday.

“Washington County has accepted this tree and the city of Marietta will nurture and care for it for future generations to enjoy,” she said.

Augenstein said this species of oak can live for hundreds of years if nurtured properly.

Washington County Commissioner James Booth said he was honored to be at the tree planting and as a resident of the county.

“Two-hundred and forty-nine years ago at this point, this nation was birthed; the greatest nation on this earth,” said Booth. “Not always the most perfect but that’s how we grow.”

The members on the commission have been working together to provide engaging and informative events. Augenstein encouraged everyone to participate and attend to learn more about the nation’s history.

(Photo by Amber Phipps) The Belpre High School choir performs at the tree planting ceremony at Gold Star Park on Thursday in Marietta.

“Gold Star Park has come a long way, before it was Gold Star Park I remember coming here 15 years or more ago when my children were little and the park felt neglected,” said Marietta City Council President Susan Vessels. “Through the teamwork of the city, the county, veterans organizations and others, this park has become something special.”

Gold Star Park, formerly known as Lookout Park, was dedicated in 2018 with the Gold Star Memorial Monument.

Gold Star refers to the families of service members who have died in the line of duty.

“I look at this heritage tree and pray that in another 250 years, our heirs will stand under the shade of this tree and be both grateful for the work of the good men and women who came before them and hopeful for the future as we are,” said Vessels.

After the ceremony, a plaque was cemented around the tree to mark the historic oak.

(Photo by Amber Phipps) Marietta City Council President Susan Vessels talks about the history of Gold Star Park at the tree planting ceremony on Thursday.

(Photo by Amber Phipps) The Sons of the American Revolution stand alongside Washington County Commissioner James Booth, Marietta City Council President Susan Vessels and Northwest Territory Museum Society Executive Director Erin Augenstein next to the heritage tree white oak.

(Photo by Amber Phipps) Marietta City Council President Susan Vessels, Northwest Territory Museum Society Executive Director Erin Augenstein and Washington County Commissioner James Booth break ground on the tree planting at Gold Star Park on Thursday.