A Proud Icon of Liberty and Freedom

Located on a 12 acre island in New York Harbor, thefreedom from slavery, oppression, and tyranny. Her
Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World was a giftraised right foot is on the move. This symbol of
of friendship from the people of France to theLiberty and Freedom is not standing still or at
people of the United States and is a universal symbolattention in the harbor, she is moving forward, as her
of freedom and democracy. The Statue of Libertyleft foot tramples broken shackles at her feet, in
was dedicated on October 28, 1886, designated as asymbolism of the United States's wish to be free
National Monument in 1924 and restored for herfrom oppression and tyranny. The seven spikes on
centennial on July 4, 1986.the crown represent the Seven Seas and seven
Today the statue of Liberty has become the iconcontinents. Her torch signifies enlightenment. The
that represents America in the hearts and minds oftablet in her hand represents knowledge and shows
many tourists. It is also a quintessential symbol ofthe date of the nation's birth, July 4, 1776.
freedom and liberation from oppression andVisitors arrive by ferry onto Liberty island by
represents all things good about the United States. Ittraveling across New York City Harbor. They are
is said that the statue's location in New York Harborusually allowed to climb the statue from the inside,
was chosen so that it would serve as a sign ofusing the narrow circular stairs that only allows
welcome to all those entering the Land of the free-visitors walk in a single file. Most visitors climb right up
USA, such as tourists, immigrants and returningto the crown of the statue from where they have
American expatriates.an inspiring as well as a breathtaking view of New
The Statue of Liberty's classical appearance isYork City across the Harbor.
derived from Libertas, ancient Rome's goddess of