University of Montevallo Dedicates New Liberty Tree to Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary

September 3, 2026

The University of Montevallo and UM Foundation joined together to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America with a Semiquincentennial Liberty Tree dedication ceremony Aug. 27 on Main Quad. UM celebrated the planting of a new tree while also marking the site of the University’s Bicentennial Liberty Tree dedication with a new plaque.

The site where the original tree was planted now provides a nice shade to those walking across Main Quad on the UM campus.

“Its roots reach into Montevallo’s past, while its branches remind us that our responsibility extends far into the future,” said UM President Dr. Michelle Johnston. “And as we, together, see this tree grow, it’s a reminder for all of us of history and of greatness. We appreciate and honor those who made this dedication in 1976.”

Student Trustee Jonah Davenport said hosting the Semiquincentennial Liberty Tree dedication of a maple tree next to Calkins Hall was important to current UM students, faculty and staff to honor all current and former students who served their country.

“For 130 years, Montevallo has educated students who have gone on to serve their communities, their professions and their country,” Davenport said. “May this tree stand as a reminder of the generations who come before us, the students who stand here today and generations who will one day walk these bricks after we’re gone.”

JDanny Cooper ’70, M.Ed. ’73 served as the first director of the Veterans Affairs Office on the UM campus in 1976. Cooper, who is well-known as ‘Uncle Sam’ at the American Village, credited former UM President Kermit Johnson for creating the office and welcoming 624 Vietnam War veterans to campus, which created interest in students, faculty and staff planting the tree to honor their service.

Cooper said the bald cypress tree on Main Quad was one of four planted during Liberty Tree dedications in 1976 in Montevallo and is the lone surviving tree in the community.

“It will survive because this plaque is being placed here at its base today,” said Cooper.

Douglas Hayes ’78, a veteran of the Vietnam War, was one of the students who participated in the original Bicentennial Liberty Tree dedication on Main Quad. The tree should grow to 100-150 feet tall and live for hundreds of years on the UM campus.

“We just thought let’s just plant a tree and say thanks to all of the veterans,” said Hayes. “We were reminded later by JDanny it was called the ‘Liberty Tree’ and we said we’ll call it that. I’d like to thank the University community for honoring us Vietnam War veterans.”

The ceremony also featured a military honor and tribute to fallen service members, led by Specialist Jayden Headley of Clanton. Robert Cargo ’74, a notable American bagpiper who co-founded the Baton Rouge Pipes and Drums in Louisiana, also performed several patriotic songs during the event.