Reflections on Lady Liberty
It’s so easy to take our way of life for granted.
Probably most of us have grown up fairly comfortably, never having to wonder where our next meal is coming from nor wanting a roof over our heads. Without having to struggle on a daily basis for our families’ basic needs, it’s not hard to understand why we can become complacent in appreciating the opportunities we have as Americans.
That idea was driven home for me on a recent trip with my family (part business and part vacation) to New York City. During our brief stay, we crammed 2-weeks of sight-seeing into two-and a half days – visiting many of the NYC’s famous landmarks and museums.
Much to my surprise, two of America’s most famous landmarks, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island attracted tourists from all around the world. People from Canada, Germany, France, England, China, Mexico and Spain waited with us in long lines for the ferry at Battery Park.
As we approached the statue, I was amazed by Lady Liberty’s magnificence. I tried to imagine what it must have been like for my grandparents and thousands of other immigrants as they sailed by the statue before disembarking at Ellis Island. Did their hopes and dreams of a better life become a reality? What would they say about the lives of their children and their children’s children?
Nearly 125 years after its christening, the Statue of Liberty continues to be a powerful symbol of hope and freedom for men, women and children EVERYWHERE! The values expressed in America’s founding documents still resonate around the world and people come just to stand at the base of the statue and give witness to those values.
Our visit to this incredible monument to freedom had me reminding myself not to take our most fundamental values for granted. And I am grateful to this country for the freedom given to me, my ancestors and my immediate family to pursue our dreams.
August 10, 2010 at 1:08 am
Hear, Hear Rene. Very well said. I encourage everyone to vacation within the United States and see some of this amazing country they haven’t seen before.
Louise Walsh
August 10, 2010 at 12:34 pm
The last time I was there was March of 2001. It took a long time to get the ferry and once there I just wanted to absorb everything between the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. It’s breath taking to be there.
Thanks for the reminder. Thanks for all you give to all of us.
Casey
August 10, 2010 at 3:06 pm
I am fortunate enough to only live about 2 hours to NYC. I have visited Lady Liberty numerous times, I can remember as a child climbing the stairs to the top before the elevator was installed. Everytime I have visited I find something different that teaches me another part of our history. I am grateful for the opportunity to be an American!
Thanks for the memories Rene’! Mae M.
August 10, 2010 at 4:17 pm
One of the most amazing sites, so happy you and your family had a chance to experience is wonders. We all need to be thankful for the freedom we have, along with the friendships we make meeting others along the way. Thanks for sharing your beautiful words.
August 11, 2010 at 3:00 am
I grew up in New Jersey (who by the way actually have possession of Ms Liberty) Amazing how so many school trips …seeing her every day did not really sink in until 9/11. If ANYONE messes with her…there will be HECK to pay – not from New Yorkers, or Jersey Girls (ok People) but entire counties, nations etc….Like you said her magnificence and what she has meant for our families and so so many others…cannot really be put into words!! Thanks for sharing!!
August 24, 2010 at 9:38 pm
Inspiring Renee!
Thank you for sharing. You know after a long trip overseas I always am moved when I cross the border back to America and the custom agent says Welcome Home! We are so blessed.
October 30, 2010 at 6:38 am
Since I was only 6 when we past that statue for the first time I really don’t remember it. I lived in New York for 4 years andm whenever we had guests in from out of town we would take them on the ferry ride to the Statue – it was always a thrill for all of us, no matter how many times we went. I will confess though – we never did make the climb up the stairs:)