GOLDSBORO, N.C. — The City of Goldsboro has announced plans to remove the historic Freedom Tree this week due to serious safety concerns stemming from advanced disease and deterioration. The removal, contracted through a local tree service and pending weather conditions, will involve a temporary lane closure in the surrounding area to ensure public safety.
Planted in 1972 by then-Mayor Tommy Gibson, the willow oak was dedicated to Captain Peter Cleary, a U.S. Air Force pilot declared Missing in Action after his aircraft was shot down over Vietnam. For more than 50 years, the Freedom Tree has stood as a powerful symbol of remembrance and hope for all American service members listed as Prisoners of War or Missing in Action (POW/MIA).
Despite extensive efforts over the past five years to extend the tree’s life—including pruning, fertilization, and regular monitoring—certified arborists from NC State University and Lanier Tree Services recently confirmed the tree is in rapid decline. Factors including age, mistletoe, deadwood, and lichen have compromised the structure of the tree, with large, dead limbs now posing a risk to pedestrians and nearby traffic.
In a gesture of respect, the City will preserve portions of the tree’s trunk for potential use in memorial displays. Both the Cleary and Gibson families have been consulted and are participating in discussions regarding the tree’s legacy.
Once the tree is removed, the stump will be ground out in preparation for future enhancements to the site. While saplings propagated from the original Freedom Tree are growing, their long-term viability remains uncertain. City officials are also considering additional tributes, including a new tree, educational signage, and a memorial garden.
As part of these enhancements, the Evergreen Garden Club, in coordination with the City, will relocate the existing Blue Star Memorial marker to the site and install a new Gold Star Memorial marker. These national markers, part of a program by the National Council of State Garden Clubs, honor all U.S. military personnel and specifically recognize the families of fallen service members.
“The City of Goldsboro recognizes the deep emotional and historical significance of the Freedom Tree,” city officials said in a statement. “We are committed to honoring Captain Cleary’s memory and the sacrifices of all those it represents.”
