Groton dedicates Liberty Tree honoring Continental Marine Jabz Smith Jr.

Groton held a Liberty Tree dedication at the Jabz Smith House to honor Lieutenant Jabz Smith Jr., a Continental Marine who was mortally wounded in a naval engagement in 1780.

Lieutenant Colonel Lark, representing the Connecticut Society, Sons of the American Revolution, opened the ceremony and invited chaplain Todd Gerlander to lead the invocation. Mayor Juliet Parker read a town proclamation designating the dedication and pointing to a commemorative observance tied to the America 250 program.

The proclamation noted Jabz Smith Jr.'s service aboard Continental vessels and set a community commemoration on June 13, 2026 at the Jabz Smith Senior House in Groton. "This occasion calls upon all residents to reflect upon and uphold the ideals of liberty and self-governance," Mayor Juliet Parker said while reading the proclamation.

Damon Krego, speaking on behalf of the Connecticut Society's state president, offered greetings and paid tribute to Smith's sacrifice. "His service and sacrifice reminds us that liberty is never inherited without cost," Krego said.

Dane Rue, president of the Captain Nathan Hale branch of the Connecticut Society, described his personal connection to the site and framed the planting as part of a broader America 250 effort. "You only turn 250 once," Rue said, urging newer generations to connect with the history and heritage the program highlights.

Town historian James Strereer provided a detailed local and military history, outlining the Continental Marines' early organization and describing Smith's assignments on several Continental ships and his wounding after the engagement involving the Continental frigate Trumbull. The historian said Smith died of his wounds in Boston on June 28, 1780.

Todd Gerlander, chair of the Connecticut Society's America 250 committee, explained the Liberty Tree program and the organization's educational work. He said the Connecticut Society has dedicated multiple Liberty Trees in the lead-up to the nation's 250th anniversary and that the national program aims to plant 250 trees across the country. "We feel that planting a Liberty Tree will help educate the public about the importance of the American Revolution," he said.

Mayor Parker and members of the Groton America 250 committee unveiled a dedication plaque; the Connecticut Society's living history color guard presented a wreath and performed a three-volley musket salute. After a moment of silence, Timothy Burke performed "Taps" to close the ceremony. Organizers thanked the Connecticut Society, the town committee, the Jabz Smith family, and volunteers for their roles in the dedication and invited attendees to view displays and the historic house.

The ceremony was framed as a local commemoration within the national America 250 observance and concluded with organizers reminding attendees to stay hydrated and to tour the exhibits and encampment.