Memorial Day Thoughts

Today is Memorial Day and it turns out to be a perfect day to visit the Statue of Liberty. I took these pictures while visiting Liberty Island earlier today.

It is amazing to stand on the ground and look upon a statue. I feel so small looking up, but I can’t help feeling proud of the country I live in. To know that so many have seen the statue in the past is inspiring. 3 million people visit the island each year!

While I don’t know if any of my ancestors came to the United States through New York Harbor, I had to take a moment of silence to remember those who made the courageous journey here. My 100 year-old great grandmother who recently passed on would have been tickled pink to know I was enjoying a trip to New York and learning “good information” about those who made the trip. In remembrance of my great grandmother, I’ve included some cool facts about the Statue of Liberty.

The Statue of Liberty is over 305 tall from the ground to the torch.

When the statue was first erected in 1886, it was the tallest structure in New York. Most buildings were only 5 stories tall and yet the Statue of Liberty is 22 stories tall!

The full name of the Statue of Liberty is The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World.

In 1885, not much money had been donated to help construct the pedestal. If it were not for Joseph Pulitzer, the editor/owner of The New York World newspaper, the Statue of Liberty may not have been able to be erected at all . He promised to print the name of anyone who donated at least 1 penny for the pedestal or other expenses. The money for the pedestal was raised in 6 months and the majority of the donors gave less than one dollar.

I hope that you learned something new!