America is celebrating birthday number 250 this year, and Kentucky played an important role in the early history of the United States.

We'll talk about that next Monday on a special Kentucky Tonight guest host Chip Huddleston and a panel of history experts will discuss Kentucky's settlement and growth.

Join us for Kentucky Celebrates America 250.

And that's Monday, June 1st, Kentucky's birthday at eight eastern seven central, right here on Wkyt.

And speaking of history, Kentucky's official tree is playing a part in a celebration of America's roots, the Kentucky Liberty Tree Project is marking America's 250th anniversary by planting tulip poplars in all 120 counties.

We were in Bourbon County recently for their Poplar planting ceremony.

Day as we celebrate our Commemorate America 250.

The legacy of the Liberty Tree and what it represented back then and now is being revived across the nation right here in Kentucky counties.

Trees are being planted and designated as Liberty trees.

These living images remind us today that although our country is not perfect, America is still a country where hope is very much alive and well.

It is a place where those who are disenfranchized can gather and let their voices be heard.

It is still a place where people can gather as a community and exchange political ideas.

And it is still a place where we, the people can come and say we will agree to disagree.

The Kentucky Historical Society administers the America 250 Commission that's statewide.

And as part of the goal to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

The Kentucky Historical Society has worked with communities including Bourbon County and Paris, the daughters of the American Revolution across the state to plant a tulip poplar in every county.

Throughout history, trees have stood as enduring symbols of strength, resilience, and renewal.

The Liberty Tree holds a particular important place in American history.

Before the founding of the United States, columnist gathered beneath a famous elm in Boston known as the Liberty Tree.

It became a meeting place for ordinary citizens who believed in extraordinary principles, including freedom, self-governance, justice and the right to have their voices heard.

The word spread about that tree to the other colonies, and so, out of solidarity with Boston, the other colonies began to designate trees in their home areas as liberty trees as well.

We remember that democracy is strongest when communities come together with respect, participation and shared purpose.

And we recognize our responsibility to continue cultivating these values right here at home.

A tree begins small.

It requires care, patience, and stewardship.

Over time, its roots date and deepen.

Its branches expand.

And it provides shelter and strength for others.

In many ways, it mirrors the work of a community.

Just like back in the day.

We want this.

This was a gathering site for individuals to think about liberty and what the new nation may look like.

We are hoping 250 years later, that these trees will be remembrance of that, but also be a place where communities can come and generations on down the road can come and reflect on and, you know, think about the future of their communities.

That Liberty Tree project is a partnership between the Kentucky Historical Society, the daughters of the American Revolution, and the Kentucky Division of Forestry.

The tree plantings will continue through this year.