Arriving in New York City, I was eager to see the Statue of Liberty, a symbol of freedom and hope for millions. Standing tall on Liberty Island, she greeted me with her torch held high and her crown bejeweled with seven rays representing the seven continents and seas. As I approached by ferry, the magnitude of her presence became clear.
The statue was a gift from France to the United States in 1886, honoring the centennial of America’s independence. It was amazing to see in real life the artwork of French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and fabulous engineering by Gustave Eiffel.
Taking a moment to absorb the grandeur of Lady Liberty, made of copper sheets with a framework of steel bars supporting her structure, I embarked on the climb of 354 steps to the crown. From this lofty vantage point, the panoramic view of New York Harbor and the city skyline was breathtaking.
Coming down from the crown, I visited the museum located on the pedestal, where exhibits told the story of the statue’s construction and its significance in American history. I learned about the fundraising efforts led by newspaper magnate Joseph Pulitzer, who appealed to the American public to contribute to the pedestal’s construction.
As I boarded the ferry back to Manhattan, I couldn’t help but say, “God Bless America.” This landmark reminded me of America’s core values and our consistent struggle for equality and justice for all.
In the words of poet Emma Lazarus, inscribed on a plaque at the statue’s base, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” The Statue of Liberty leaves you feeling hopeful and free in this world.
