Jockey Hollow Chapter Dedicates New Jersey’s First Officially Sanctioned Liberty Tree

On Saturday, November 15, 2025, the Jockey Hollow Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) dedicated a new Liberty Tree at Burnham Park in Morristown, marking the first officially sanctioned Liberty Tree dedication by the New Jersey Society SAR (NJSSAR).

In Revolutionary America, Liberty Trees were prominent community gathering places where Patriots rallied against British oppression, posted declarations, held public meetings, and organized resistance—becoming enduring symbols of the fight for freedom.

The SAR America 250 Liberty Tree Program, launched nationally to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026, invites SAR chapters to plant new Liberty Trees at significant public sites to honor these historic symbols and inspire patriotic education for future generations.

The ceremony drew strong community support and featured distinguished speakers, patriotic pageantry, and collaboration across numerous organizations. Guest speakers included:

Chris Sands, President, New Jersey Society SAR
Kristin Ace, Chair, Morristown Shade Tree Commission
Siva Jonnada, Morris Township Committeeman and Burnham Park Association member
Sarah Neibart, Chair, Morris County America 250 Committee and Mayor of Mendham Township
New Jersey State Senator Anthony M. Bucco (District 25)
Morristown Councilman Chris Russo, representing Mayor Tim Dougherty

Patriotic pageantry was provided by the NJSSAR Color Guard and the Colonial Musketeers Senior Fife and Drum Corps. Pat Sanftner, Chair of the New Jersey State Society Daughters of the American Revolution America 250 Committee, performed “God Bless America.”

The Jockey Hollow Chapter also received a Legislative Citation from New Jersey’s 21st Legislative District, signed by Senator Jon Bramnick and Assemblywomen Nancy Munoz and Michele Matsikoudis.

Representatives in Attendance

Sons of the American Revolution: New Jersey State Society, SAR; Colonel John Rosenkrans Chapter, SAR; Monmouth Chapter, SAR; and West Fields Chapter, SAR
Daughters of the American Revolution: New Jersey State Society DAR (with multiple state officers present); Continental Chapter, DAR; Ferro Monte Chapter, DAR; General Frelinghuysen–Colonel Lowry Chapter, DAR; and the Morristown Chapter, DAR
Organizations with Member Representation: New Jersey Community Forestry Council (to the NJ Department of Environmental Protection), Morris County Historical Society, Morristown Partnership, and the Washington Association of New Jersey

“This Liberty Tree will stand as a living link between Morristown’s Revolutionary past and our future generations,” said Jeff La Marca, President of the Jockey Hollow Chapter, SAR.

This broad participation highlighted the shared commitment of these civic, veterans, patriotic, and community organizations to preserving America’s Revolutionary heritage as the nation approaches its semiquincentennial. The new Liberty Tree will serve as a lasting symbol of unity and remembrance in Morristown.

Additional information about our Liberty Tree Dedication (along with pictures) have been reported elsewhere; these include an article on MorristownGreen.com, “Morristown commemorates Revolutionary sacrifice with new liberty tree in Burnham Park,” as well as a very gracious post on social media by New Jersey State Senator, Anthony M. Bucco.

The Jockey Hollow Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution, is a nonprofit lineage organization, covering Morris, Somerset, and parts of Hunterdon Counties, dedicated to preserving the memory of the American Revolution through education, historic preservation, and patriotic outreach.

The new Liberty Tree in Burnham Park, Morristown, immediately following the November 15, 2025 ceremony.

Help Us Support Wreaths Across America!

For the second year in a row, the Jockey Hollow Chapter, SAR is sponsoring the placement of wreaths on the graves of men and woman who have served our country. We are asking everyone to help us reach our goal of 100 wreaths at the First Presbyterian Church Cemetery & United Methodist Church Cemetery, 99 Main St, Succasunna, NJ 07876

Important! Latest Chapter News!

So much has occurred over the past few months and our Chapter continues to grow (we are the largest in the state of New Jersey and we currently have more than 120 members) that the only way to keep our members informed about our latest events, occurring over the next few weeks, is through a newsletter. All chapter members, along with guests, visitors, and members of the public who wish to find out about our activities are urged to read through this so that you don’t miss out on our latest happenings!

Jockey Hollow Chapter, SAR to be First in NJ to Dedicate a Liberty Tree!

For Immediate Release
October 23, 2025

Jockey Hollow Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution Sponsors Liberty Tree Dedication Ceremony at Burnham Park

The Jockey Hollow Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), in partnership with the Burnham Park Association, the Town of Morristown, and the Morristown Shade Tree Commission, will be the first in the state to host a Liberty Tree Dedication Ceremony on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Burnham Park (Washington Street side, in front of the pond).

MORRISTOWN, NJ – The Jockey Hollow Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), in partnership with the Burnham Park Association, the Town of Morristown, and the Morristown Shade Tree Commission, will be the first in the state to host a Liberty Tree Dedication Ceremony on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Burnham Park (Washington Street side, in front of the pond).

The Jockey Hollow Chapter, the largest of New Jersey’s thirteen SAR chapters, funded the tree. With the support of the Morristown Shade Tree Commission, this dedication will serve as a living tribute to veterans and a reminder of the principles upon which our nation was founded.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to attend and take part in this special event celebrating both local and national history.

Jockey Hollow Chapter Plans Our First Liberty Tree Dedication!

Thanks to generous compatriot donations and the wonderful support of the Shade Tree Commission of Morristown, the Jockey Hollow Chapter will be dedicating our first Liberty Tree. A Princeton Elm will be planted in Burnham Park on Washington Street in Morristown, at the historic site of Brig. Gen. Henry Knox’s Artillery encampment (1779-1780) and home to one of only two statues in the U.S. of Thomas Paine, author of “Common Sense” during the Revolution.

The 250th SAR Liberty Tree Program was rolled out in 2023 by the NSSAR with the goal of planting 250 Liberty Trees for the 250th Anniversary of the United States and an objective to dedicate at least one tree in each state on or before July 4, 2026. It is hoped that planting a Liberty Tree will help enhance the public’s awareness and knowledge of the importance of the American Revolution and the sacrifices that were made to become our nation. To date, the SAR Liberty Tree Program has dedicated 160 trees in 26 states.

The first noted Liberty Tree (1646–1775) was a famous elm tree that stood in Boston near Boston Common, in the years before the American Revolution. In 1765, colonists in Boston staged the first act of defiance against the British government at the tree. The tree became a rallying point for the growing resistance to the rule of Britain over the American colonies, and the ground surrounding it became known as Liberty Hall. In 1775 the British had enough of these rebellious rallies at the Liberty Tree and had it cut down. Over time, many Liberty Trees were designated in towns across the colonies to serve as rallying points for the revolutionary cause. (Thanks to the NSSAR “Liberty Tree Project” web site for this information. Please visit their site for updates and additional information.)

Planting of our Liberty Tree in Morristown is expected mid-October, and the ceremony is currently targeted for Saturday, November 15, 2025. Future notification and more details will be sent to all chapter members. Area dignitaries and other lineage organization members will also be invited.

Please mark your calendar and plan to attend.

Thomas Paine Statue at Burnham Park, Morristown, New Jersey — Thomas Paine Statue at Burnham Park, Morristown, NJ.

Liberty Tree Plaque — The Liberty Tree plaque to be installed by our chapter.

Jockey Hollow Chapter Supports 2025 Wreaths Across America.

For the second year, Jockey Hollow Chapter will support the Wreaths Across America Program. This year, the First Presbyterian Church Cemetery, United Methodist Church Cemetery, and Flanders-Hillside Cemetery (NJFPUM) will be the site we support through donations of wreaths and time. This wonderful program, sponsored and managed by the Ferro Monte Chapter, NSDAR for 11 years, to be held at 99 Main Street in Succasunna, NJ honors approximately 700 graves of the men and woman who have served our county. The ceremony will be on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 12:00 p.m.

What can you do?

Sponsor (purchase) wreaths at the Official Jockey Hollow Chapter donation page. Same $17 price per wreath as last year. Please ask family, friends, associates and acquaintances to help support. Note: cut-off date for ordering for 2025: ~Thanksgiving.

Help with ideas on how to fund raise for the event and volunteer to help. Contact Jeff La Marca or Ellis Bailey.

Mark your calendar and attend the ceremony.

Wreaths on graves at Arlington National Cemetery.

Members Attend Lafayette Ball At The Historic Sansay House.

After the wonderful events on The Morristown Green on Sunday, July 13, 2025, two members attended the Lafayette Ball at the historic Sansay House in Morristown. The event was a re-enactment of the ball held 200 years ago to celebrate Lafayette’s return visit to Morristown.

The Sansay House was the actual venue for the original ball, and the hosts, Dillard and Adrienne Kirby, of the contemporary party truly went all out to make this celebration memorable. The house entry was adorned with blue, white and red flowers in the gardens, in honor of the the Marquis’s home country. The “dining” room was set as though the Marquis and his hosts and guests had just finished a grand meal, while around the room were originals of correspondence from, and to, the Marquis owned by the Gilder-Lehrman Institute for American History – what a treat. Proceeding to the back yard, guests were treated with French champagne cocktails upon entry. The passed foods were delicious, French-themed wonders.

President Jeff La Marca and compatriot Ellis Bailey joined the approximate 130 guests in enjoying the festivities of toasts from the re-enactors, specially composed music from an ensemble from the Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey, and an exhibition of period dances by professional dancers from NYC and CT, in costume.

This was a wonderful event held by those that support the history and triumphs of America, and Morristown’s contributions.

The splendid Sansay House decorated for the Ball.

The Ensemble from the Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey.

The “Sansay’s” escorting their esteemed guest, “The Marquis de Lafayette.”

Jockey Hollow Members Host Table On The Morristown Green To Welcome Lafayette’s Return

Five compatriots staffed a table on The Morristown Green on Sunday, July 13, 2025 to celebrate the bicentennial of the Marquis de Lafayette’s farewell tour of America. The wonderful event brought more than an estimated 1000+ people out to visit the displays, watch and march in the parade, listen to the guest speakers and enjoy the Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey’s rendition of the specially composed music for the event.

President Jeff La Marca, in full uniform, along with Vice President Michael Smilek, Sergeant-at-Arms George Link, and compatriots David Paretti and Ellis Bailey were visited by many of the attendees, answering questions about the SAR, our chapter, and our projects. Numerous men completed forms to allow follow up for possibly joining the chapter.

The parade saw the arrival of the Marquis in horse drawn carriage, escorted by a fife and drum corps, dragoons from the 2nd Continental Light Dragoons, re-enactors from the 1st Rhode Island Regiment, cannon fire, church bells, other period re-enactors and townsfolk. Numerous town officials and re-enactors participated in the event. The Marquis circulated through the crowd, being welcomed by all, much like the event 200 years ago.

It was a wonderful day of camaraderie, enlightenment and celebration.

and at: https://morristowngreen.com/2025/07/14/lafayette-conquers-morristown-once-more/

Re-enactor Julie Diddell (Westfield Chapter, DAR)

Sargent-at-Arms George Link and President Jeff La Marca ready for visitors.

The Marquis de Lafayette (Michael Halbert), his escort Ned Hector (Noah Lewis) and event co-chair Carol Barkin.

Jockey Hollow Members attend Battle of Monmouth Annual Luncheon

Three members of the chapter attended the June 7, 2025 NSSAR quarterly meeting celebrating the Battle of Monmouth. President Jeff La Marca, Past President Roger Loomis, and compatriot Ellis Bailey especially enjoyed the unique venue – aboard The USS New Jersey (BB-62) in Camden, NJ.

Prior to the luncheon, the Society held its State Board of Managers meeting. During this time, visitors could take a tour of the impressive ship, the largest battleship ever built and the most decorated in Navy history. BB-62 was built at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, just a short distance across the Delaware River from where she is docked now, and launched December 7, 1942—just a year after the Pearl Harbor Attack brought America into WWII. The size of the Iowa-Class ship made it easy to have the luncheon on the aft deck for the many members and visitors. Captain Baker, the last officer to captain the ship during military action in the Middle East, was a guest and told very interesting anecdotes about the great vessel and its crew. He explained that although currently not in active duty and serving as a living museum and memorial, the ship has been outfitted with modern weapons, is fully functional, and can get underway if called to duty.

Numerous awards and medals were presented during the luncheon to compatriots and guests for their service to the society and to the community. Following that, guest speaker Gary Ecelbarger, award-winning author of ten books and numerous other publications discussed his new work “George Washington’s Momentous Year 1777: Twelve Months that Transformed the Revolution, Philadelphia to Monmouth.” The Battle of Monmouth played a key role in this.

You can learn more about the USS New Jersey at https://www.battleshipnewjersey.org/

The USS New Jersey (BB-62) docked in Camden, NJ.

The color guard prepares to present the colors.

Jockey Hollow Members Attend Anniversary of General Lafayette’s Historic Visit to General Washington in Morristown.

Two members of the Jockey Hollow Chapter attended the Salute to Lafayette on May 10, 2025 on The Morristown Green. President Jeff La Marca and compatriot Ellis Bailey attended the ceremony on the beautiful spring morning to celebrate the kick-off of the 2025 celebration activities for General Lafayette, marking the 245th anniversary of his historic visit to General George Washington at the Ford Mansion in Morristown, when he delivered the news that France would support the fight for freedom. The event was held around the Alliance Statue, depicting Washington, Lafayette and Hamilton to commemorate the event. Morristown Mayor Doherty and other officials spoke and attended, as well as reenactors of General Lafayette and a colonial singer. This was prelude to the celebration of the 200th anniversary of Lafayette’s return to Morristown in July, 1825. A memorable parade is planned and festivities on The Morristown Green on Sunday, July 13, 2025 will include a table for the Jockey Hollow Chapter.