KACC, Taylor commemorate nation’s 250th with public art
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As the United States prepares to celebrate 250 years in existence, two local art displays intend to commemorate the anniversary, perhaps for another 250 years. The City of Kokomo commissioned a sculpture from the Kokomo Area Career Center (KACC), and Taylor Schools installed a Liberty tree and display with the help of local veterans’ groups.
Both displays were unveiled on May 29 in front of appreciative crowds.
“Those who haven’t seen this incredible piece of art, be prepared to be wowed,” said Mayor Tyler Moore of the sculpture installed in front of Fire Station No. 1 on West Superior Street. “It demonstrates the talent that Kokomo is known for. The Kokomo Area Career Center is truly a gem, not just in Kokomo and Howard County, but throughout the central Indiana region and the state.”
Roughly 100 people attended the unveiling of the sculpture; a rotating framework globe of steel, highlighting the United States’ place in the world. Included in the crowd were several local elected officials as well as Congresswoman Victoria Spartz. Kokomo Schools and its KACC also were well represented, as the students and instructors responsible for the sculpture gathered for the unveiling.
“It really shows the value that career and technical education has in our high schools,” said Dr. Mike Sargent, superintendent of Kokomo Schools. “It’s an incredibly important program that provides our students with real applicable skills that will transfer either into post-secondary institutional opportunities or directly into the to their chosen careers.”
KACC students were given the chance to talk about their work before the shroud was pulled away from the sculpture.
“It’s incredible to stand here today and see our vision in physical form,” said Chase Guy, a welding student who helped on the project. “The statue not only represents the power of a collective effort, but also the dedication of everyone who helped build this monument.”
Guy wrote a letter to President Donald Trump, explaining the project, and received a signed letter in response.
“Thank you for writing me and sharing your story,” the President wrote. “I was proud to learn about you and your classmates and your efforts to celebrate 250 years of American independence. Your hard work reflects the very best of our American spirit through skill, creativity, and the deep love of our country.”
Welding student Harry Blake said he knew right away that the project was going to be more important than a classroom grade.
“When I first received news of this globe project, I immediately knew the potential it had, from the first meeting with the city to the first weld, all the way through to the last stroke of paint,” said Blake. “This globe was an extraordinary attestation to what high school students are capable of. The beauty of the project is the diversity that contributed to it, from Kokomo to Western and Northwestern schools, from first years to third and fourth, from men and women.
“This globe isn’t just some piece of art, it’s a symbol of freedom, a symbol of determination, and a symbol of teamwork. It’s a checkpoint for our nation, a checkpoint of 250 years in making the United States the longest lasting constitutional republic in the world, and one that’s not going anywhere anytime soon.”
Welding student Mason Buckley encouraged the crowd to see the sculpture as its creators see it, a representation of something bigger than oneself.
“When you look at this globe, you should think about the people who gave their all to something with meaning bigger than themselves,” said Buckley. “You should think about the quality of getting things done the right way, and you should think about those who lost their lives. This is something that my peers, along with myself, have the honor to hold with us for the rest of our lives.”
Across town at Taylor High School, another group of students and local leaders gathered to commemorate the planting of a “Liberty Tree” in front of the high school. The tree comes with a story that reaches back to the nation’s earliest days, and the Disabled American Veterans 28, the Veterans of Foreign Wars 1152, and the VFW Auxiliary all were in attendance to hear the tale.
According to Principal Brandon Gleason, the idea came to fruition under the guidance of instructor Donnely Bennett, who sought to plant a Liberty Tree to commemorate the nation’s 250th birthday.
“Why a Liberty Tree?” asked Gleason. “Well, during the Revolutionary War, the ‘Sons of Liberty’ collected near a giant elm tree In Boston Common, the ‘Liberty Tree.’ The original Liberty Tree stood in Boston and became a gathering place where colonists met, discussed ideas, protested unfair policies, and united around the belief that ordinary people could shape their future.
“However, it was cut down by the British because they didn’t approve of our rebellion. The act was intended to discourage rebellion and send a message that resistance to British rule would not be tolerated. Instead, the opposite happened.”
Gleason explained that the early Americans saw the cutting of the tree as an assault on their freedom and ideals. As a result, communities across the colonies began designating Liberty Trees and installing Liberty Poles to gather around for discussion, protest, and unity.
“Today, the original tree is gone, but its meaning remains: even when a symbol is removed, the ideas behind it can continue to grow,” said Gleason.
The tree is accompanied by a large stone that will eventually display a plaque with information about the tree and its significance.