A massive ship sails into the harbor. Cheers ring out on board, and the bedraggled masses of people strain their tear-filled eyes to see the statue that hails them. Her eyes look tenderly on them, and her torch lights the new path they will follow. All of the hardships that the people suffered to get to America were all worth it for this, a symbol and emblem of America. The statue’s beautiful green frame shows a delicate craftsmanship, which is a huge part of her history. Her construction was massive, but the symbols she held out to the newcomers were the most encouraging aspect about her. The Statue of Liberty or “Liberty Enlightening the World” as she was named, is a breathtaking picture of America’s foundation - liberty for all!
The history of the Statue of Liberty begins on another land. France altruistically bestowed this munificent gift on the United States. The massive sculpture was sent in numerous pieces to America. As we gaze up at this colossal statue, we are not surprised that it was one of the tallest structures of its day. Americans were and are very proud of the massive structure, which now resides in New York. The statue used to rest on Bedlow Island, but it now stands tall and beautiful on Ellis Island. Because Miss Liberty has taken long journeys, she offers a comforting welcome to others who have journeyed long and hard. The history of this remarkable statue symbolizes a lasting bond between America and France, to whom we are eternally grateful for this beautiful token of friendship.
The ingenious design of the statue is not entirely visible to the outside observer; one must go inside to gape at her more intricate features. Auguste Bartholdi was the amazingly talented sculptor who toiled relentlessly and faithfully on our beautiful Miss Liberty. Alexandre Gustave Eiffel, who also crafted the Eiffel tower, helped him. Myriads of copper sheets were molded into her graceful frame. As you feel the heavy statue’s handcrafted robe and shade your eyes to gaze at her face, you won’t be shocked that she is 305 feet tall and 450,000 pounds! In her beginnings, Lady Liberty was a modern emblem of her time, with an elevator and electric lights. She is reinforced with steel, and her torch is lit with nineteen lamps. Prepare yourself for a climb: there are one hundred fifty-four stairs leading up the inside of Lady Liberty. The craftsmanship of the statue is visible on both the inside and outside of her giant frame.
The symbols of Liberty are probably the most cherished part of her design. The torch in her right hand glows brilliantly and emboldens the immigrants, who arrive in the bay. On her crown, seven spikes reach out to the continents. Because of these two symbols, Liberty is given her name. In her left hand she displays and clutches her precious book with the date: July 4, 1776 boldly stamped inside. The broken chain at her feet symbolizes the sundered chains of oppression that Americans fought to crush. Emma Lazarus wrote the poem that is inscribed on her pedestal: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free…I lift my lamp beside the Golden Door!” Liberty calls out for the poor, the humble, not just the rich. Those ‘yearning to breathe free’ relish and strengthen the symbols on this statue.
The Statue of Liberty stands for what we Americans believe in, what we build our hopes and dreams upon. The history of Liberty begins in France and leaves her standing in New York harbor. The design of the statue is explicit and pleasing to the eye. The symbols she upholds in her lamp, crown, book, and chain, bring tears of pride and joy to the eyes of onlookers. Most of all, we love Liberty because she looks on the newcomers in the bay and welcomes everyone to the Golden Gate. If we should ever venture beyond our homeland, she will always be there for us, calling us, welcoming us. We are proud to harbor Miss Liberty who proudly states: “Give me your tired, your poor…your huddled masses yearning to breathe free…I LIFT MY LAMP BESIDE THE GOLDEN DOOR!”
No comments:
Post a Comment