This American Liberty elm was planted in honor of those who lost their lives in the tragic events on September 11, 2001. It was named after the Liberty Tree, the country's first symbol of freedom. On the morning of August 14, 1765, the people of Boston awoke to discover two effigies suspended from an elm tree in protest of the hated Stamp Act. From that day forward, that elm became known as the Liberty Tree. For the next ten years, it stood in silent witness to countless meetings, speeches, and celebrations, and often served as the rallying place for the Sons of Liberty. In August of 1775, as a last act of violence prior to their evacuation from Boston, British soldiers cut it down because it bore the name Liberty.