County president says statue will teach future generations about Washington County's 250‑year story

John Barr, president of the Washington County Board of County Commissioners, told attendees the statue links the county's founding to present‑day community life and will remain a long‑term reminder of local history. "This statue is a gift to Washington County, not just for today, but for generations to come," Barr said during remarks at the dedication.

Barr noted that the sculpture was timed to the county's 250th anniversary and thanked the committee, heritage groups and county staff for helping the project reach completion. He said the site will allow visitors and families to learn about the people who came before them in Washington County and emphasized the statue's educational value to the historic courthouse location.