The Statue of Liberty

As with most every place you visit as a tourist in N.Y. you have to go through security. However, this is the only place we went to that I saw an armed soldier standing guard. Miss Liberty was a gift of friendship from the people of France Oct. 28th 1886 as universal symbol of freedom and democracy. She was dedicated on October 28, 1886 and designated as a National Monument in 1924. A symbolic feature that people cannot see is the broken chain wrapped around the Statue's feet. At the bottom of her robe, there is broken chains that symbolize her free forward movement, symbolizing to the world with her torch the freedom from oppression and servitude.

Ticket prices aren’t too bad, only around $17.00 for adults. You can only get to the Island by the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Ferry. Personnel and privet boats are not allowed to dock on the islands.
The line was long and it was another hot day the day we went. Thankfully there were vendors there selling water and ice cream. Once we boarded the Ferry we headed for the upper deck so we could have a clear vision of everything around us. I can’t tell you what an amazing sight it is as you get closer and closer to the Statue. Not to mention the view of the City as well as the Brooklyn Bridge.
Once you dock on the Island you are behind the Statue. As you walk toward her through the court yard there is a table set up with pamphlets and information. There are headphones you can use for an audio tour as well.
The courtyard is beautiful! Along the sides of the courtyard are vendors and on the other side there are white cast iron tables sitting between rows of trees. As you walk around she comes into view and it just stops your heart to be so close to her. You can have your picture taken by photographers and then view them in the gift shop when you’re ready to leave.
Speaking of the gift shop. I have to admit that I was very disappointed. Of course they have the normal things like shirts, key chains, cups etc. BUT…they were all made in CHINA! I didn’t see one thing there that was made here and I think it is outrageous that souvenirs sold at our national parks and monuments are made in foreign countries. When I think of women & children working in sweatshops making these things for gift shops at, of all places, our nations proudest places it blows my mind. Because of that, the only thing I bought there was the pictures we had taken in front of the Statue. I will treasure that forever! To be there with my boys means more then I could ever say and means more then a mere trinket.
I can’t even begin to tell you the feeling that comes over you while you’re there. To look up at her and realize the reason she’s there is nothing short of humbling. Knowing what happened in the past and the reason the French made this for us is a lesson for us all.
We walked around the entire Island before heading back to the Ferry which would then take us over to Ellis Island. If you ever get the chance to go there don’t turn it down. You won’t regret it.
In my next blog I will tell you about Ellis Island.