A TREE and plaque inscribed by American President Barack Obama have been planted in a Worcester park.

High-ranking US naval officers helped to unveil the North American scarlet oak tree sapling and plaque, which Mr Obama has inscribed with the words: “Let this tree be a symbol of our two countries’ love of life and liberty.”

They are the latest additions to Fort Royal Park.

We reported in yesterday’s Worcester News how the tree is to be called the Liberty Oak in commemoration of all those who fought and died on the hill, and elsewhere in Worcester on September 3, 1651, in the battle that finally brought an end to the English Civil War.

The American defence attaché, Rear Admiral Ron Henderson, accompanied by the naval attaché, Captain Jeff Miller, and Lieutenant Commander John Scivier, former commanding officer of HMS Victory, helped to plant the tree and unveil the plaque in the park off London Road.

Worcester Mayor Andy Roberts, who gave a speech at the ceremony, said he hoped the tree would encourage residents to take more pride in the Faithful City’s rich history as well as helping to increase tourism from America and beyond.

“It can only be good in helping people to understand and put into context the history of Worcester,” he said.

Mr Roberts said he hoped to see more commemorative artwork of historical importance created for the city in the future.

Meanwhile, Worcester Trafalgar Commemorative Group, which organised the tree planting, also held its annual dinner yesterday.

Two direct descendants of Admiral Lord Nelson, who died in the celebrated battle off the coast of Cape Trafalgar, Spain, in October 1805 were joined by other dignitaries as well as Gurkha soldiers.

The group used the ocassion to also mark the 65th anniversary of D-Day and honoured the city’s own veterans.