February 24, 2026 (Leesburg, Va.)- Local historian and Master Naturalist Paul Kreingold addressed a ceremony today on the occasion of both Arbor Day and USA 250 celebration.
Below, you can watch his short speech, and view the text of the prepared address.
It is of note, that the inspiration for this speech, according to the author, was the work of American System Now founder Nancy Spannaus, in particular a recent reading her book “From Subject to Citizen”.
Arbor Day Speech – April 24, 2026 – Paul Kreingold
It is Arbor Day and we are planting a tree. Not any old tree but a Liberty Tree, which is a grand tradition tracing back to the 18th century in Boston, where British subjects, acting like citizens, argued the shape of their future under an ancient elm tree planted over 100 years before. That tree was cut down by opponents of the future republic during the occupation of Boston in 1775. When the British were thrown out of Boston by George Washington’s forces a liberty pole was immediately established so that the discussion of the future could continue.
The notion of a Liberty Tree takes on special meaning in this 250th year of the Declaration of Independence. For it is that document which is the heart and soul of the American Republic.
In that document we find the following:
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed
This ancient wisdom, as Abraham Lincoln called it, is the well we must always return to when our nation is troubled, as it is now.
During a debate in Alton, Illinois, on October 15, 1858, Abraham Lincoln poetically explicates what the founders meant by these phrases.
They meant to set up a standard maxim for free society which should be familiar to all: constantly looked to, constantly labored for, and even, though never perfectly attained, constantly approximated, and thereby constantly spreading and deepening its influence and augmenting the happiness and value of life to all people, of all colors, everywhere.
But there is more.
We are so fortunate to be standing today, here at Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve. This is our 700 acres. It belongs to the people of Loudoun County. It supports over 50 native tree species, over 200 flowering plants, some quite rare, at least 100 species of native bees and much more. Our new Liberty Tree planted here will never have to worry about its living space. There will be no houses or data centers or roads or golf courses built here near our Liberty Tree. So, it will be free to grow to its full potential.
Our Liberty Tree is a White Oak tree. Of course, since 2004 the oak tree is our national tree so in that way it is quite appropriate. But the White Oak symbolizes many things. The White Oak can live up to 600 years. There is no reason not to believe that this tree we are planting here today at Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve will be alive in this spot on the 850th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in more than 30 generations… if the Republic survives.
And that tree, in its lifespan, will support thousands of insect species, birds and mammals. And every year it lives with soaring branches reaching as high as a 25-story building, it will call out to the current generation, “I am still here, how goes the republic?”
-end-
Tags: Abraham Lincoln, Nancy Spannaus