Liberty Tree dedicated in River Bend as part of America 250

River Bend dedicated a Slocum oak behind the police station as New Bern's Liberty Tree during a ceremony tied to the national America 250 Liberty Tree Project. The event included local Masonic and historical organizations and marked a date linked to the 5th North Carolina Regiment in 1776.

River Bend leaders and local groups gathered to dedicate a Liberty Tree behind the town police station. The dedication took place during a ceremony at 45 Shoreline Drive and was presented with a plaque by Mayor Mark Bledsoe. The event is part of the national America 250 commemoration and the Liberty Tree Project. Organizers said the dedication honors those who fought for the country and connects to local historical traditions. Key details: - The ceremony was held behind the police station at 45 Shoreline Drive, where Mayor Mark Bledsoe unveiled a dedication plaque. - The Liberty Tree is a Slocum oak native to North Carolina and was planted on March 21 during River Bend's Arbor Day celebration and later dedicated as New Bern's Liberty Tree. - The dedication was organized as part of the Liberty Tree Project within the nationwide America 250 celebration. - Participating groups included members of New Bern's Masonic Lodge, the Richard Dobbs Spaight Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the New Bern Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. - Organizers selected a date tied to March 26, the date the 5th North Carolina Regiment was authorized in 1776, to honor local Revolutionary War service. Summary: The dedication provides a local commemorative site that ties River Bend to the broader America 250 observance and acknowledges contributions from community and historical organizations. Undetermined at this time.