By Barbara A. Preston for The Montgomery News | September 19, 2026
Students, educators, elected officials, and families gathered at Montgomery Veterans Park on Friday night to celebrate and unveil a new mosaic mural known as The Liberty Tree in honor of America's 250 anniversary.
Mayor Neena Singh spoke at the event, saying, "The Liberty Tree Mosaic Mural is a beautiful reflection of what Montgomery means to our community. More than 800 individual tiles, each painted with love and care by our Lower Middle School students and staff. It fills me with awe."
Township Committeeman Douglas Herring spoke to the Lower Middle School students present for the unveiling.
"Long after you have moved on, this mural will still be telling the story of who you were and what you built together," he said. "None of this happened without [LMS] Principal Lisa Romano's leadership and Art Teacher Noel Kitchen's vision turning your work into one mosaic. You should be incredibly proud of yourselves."
Herring is the father of LMS student Andria Herring, who also took photos of the event for The Montgomery News.
The Liberty Tree Mural is one of two large collaborative murals to be installed in Montgomery Township celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. Each mural consists of more than 800 4-inch-by-4-inch individual tiles painted by members of the community and assembled into a meaningful expression of history and unity. The second mural will be installed at the Montgomery municipal center.
Advertisement
LMS teacher Ms. Kitchen worked tirelessly to layout the tiles in the mosaic before affixing them to the boards. Montgomery Public Works carefully moved the boards and mounted them on the barn in Veterans Park.
Deputy Mayor Patricia Taylor-Todd also spoke at the event. "This time last year I was present to receive the check when the county awarded us the cultural and heritage grant that made this mural possible," she said. "It’s very exciting to see it come to such beautiful fruition."
"As a former school attorney, I always love seeing student art. Congratulations to everyone. And, to art teacher, Noelle Kitchens, 'I believe you’re a genius.”
Mayor Neena Singh concluded the ceremony, saying "Our school community came together to create a meaningful expression of our history, unity, and shared values. As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, this mural reminds us that every individual has a part in the story of our community and our country. For generations, this artwork will stand as a proud reflection of our shared journey. I am grateful to everyone who helped bring this lasting tribute to life."
The Rev250 Committee oversaw the undertaking of the expansive art project to honor the 250th anniversary of our nation's birth with two tile mural designs, The Unity Tree mural, the second of the two mural, will be displayed in the Montgomery Municipal Building lobby.
