Our History
A Nationwide Commemoration
250 years ago, 56 brave Americans committed their “lives, fortunes, and sacred honor” to establish a nation on the principles of ‘life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Through seven years of war, other Americans from all socio-economic dynamics contributed theirblood and resources to ensure the birth of the country that famous doc
250 years ago, 56 brave Americans committed their “lives, fortunes, and sacred honor” to establish a nation on the principles of ‘life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Through seven years of war, other Americans from all socio-economic dynamics contributed theirblood and resources to ensure the birth of the country that famous document envisioned. Since then, millions more Americans have sacrificed to defend this nation while striving to advance its goal of an ever “more perfect union.” The America250 Path to Freedom projectasks today’s Americans to rededicate themselves to this gallant cause of freedom.
A Nationwide Commemoration
A Nationwide Commemoration
The America250 Path to Freedom project is led by the Lakeland chapter of the Daughters of theAmerican Revolution, the Polk County Veterans Council, Platform Art, Inc. and the City of Lakeland. Contributions by individuals, organizations, and foundations are collected through the GiveWell Community Foundation of Lakeland and Platform Art I
The America250 Path to Freedom project is led by the Lakeland chapter of the Daughters of theAmerican Revolution, the Polk County Veterans Council, Platform Art, Inc. and the City of Lakeland. Contributions by individuals, organizations, and foundations are collected through the GiveWell Community Foundation of Lakeland and Platform Art Inc. The Path to Freedom project is one of many commemorative projects and events happening nationwide as part of America250, a coalition ofpublic and private partners in the most comprehensive and inclusive celebration in U.S. history.
The Perfect Location
Veterans Park, on the banks of Lake Beulah in Lakeland, is Polk County’s most extensive site dedicated to veterans and first responders. The Path to Freedom monument will complete the park’s chronological span of American military history. Located adjacent to the Bicentennial Rose Garden, the monument will fulfill the vision of creating a destination park for education and reflective tributes.
A Beloved Artist
Sculptor Becky Ault of ART Design Group, Research Enterprises, is an award- winning sculptor with a passion for historical accuracy. Hundreds of her life-size figures are permanently installed throughout America, including on the NationalMall. Her work has already been well received locally, including the Lakeland Police Department’s Law E
Sculptor Becky Ault of ART Design Group, Research Enterprises, is an award- winning sculptor with a passion for historical accuracy. Hundreds of her life-size figures are permanently installed throughout America, including on the NationalMall. Her work has already been well received locally, including the Lakeland Police Department’s Law Enforcement Honor Guard Memorial, the Lineman Monument at Lakeland Electric, George Jenkins and Joker Marchant at Joker Marchant Stadium, sculpture at that and Veterans Park’s newest memorial, the Friends of Freedom, Spanish-American War Memorial.
If you would like to join us in this exciting project
please send a contribution to:
GiveWell Community Foundation
Memo: Path to Freedom Fund
1501 S. Florida Avenue
Lakeland, FL 33803
OR
Platform Art, Inc.
829 E. Palmeto St.
Lakeland, FL 33801
Contact Cynthia Haffey at
(863) 838-2262