The good old girl, standing tall and proud, giving a smile to the immigrants on a boat far away, reminds us today of our incredible country.  I have been lucky enough the visit New York a few times and every time I go to the Statue of Liberty to stare at her wonder, remember our country’s history and well up some tears.  If you have never been, I strongly recommend putting off the tropical or European vacation for this history lesson.  That may sound boring, but hey, it’s New York!  There’s also all sorts of fun stuff to do there.  But visiting Lady Liberty is a must in one’s lifetime.

The Statue’s building was compeleted on American soil, October 26, 1886.  But we’re not here today to remember that.  Today we remember that France brought her over by boat to America.  Sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi was commissioned to design a sculpture with the year for completion being 1876. It took about 10 years longer to finally finished! France wanted to give America a gift to commemorate the centennial of the American Declaration of Independence. The Statue was a joint effort between America and France.  But finances were hard to come by for both countries.  But through many fund raising events, they were able to make it happen.  After being completed in France, The Lady was put aboard the French frigate “Isere” which headed to the United States. In transit, the Statue was reduced to 350 individual pieces and packed in 214 crates. The Statue was re-assembled on her new pedestal in four months time.

Thank goodness she was able to make it.  And no matter where our country stands with France over time, we thank them for their gift and their support of our independence.

“Give me your poor, your tired, your huddled masses.”