A Statue of Friendship

"We will not forget that Liberty has here made her home; nor shall her chosen altar be neglected." Thus are the words of the late President Grover Cleveland in his speech after receiving the statue in behalf of America. The splendid Statue of Liberty that stands magnificently on the 12 acre Liberty Island in the New York Harbor is actually a gift that symbolizes international cooperation and friendship, democracy and political freedom from the French to the citizens of the United States of America. The 305 ft. monument was inaugurated on October 28, 1886 and named as a National Monument last October 15, 1924

It was Sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi who designed it in the year 1876. As a shared effort between France and America, they've agreed that France was commissioned for the Statue while America will be responsible in building its pedestal. Scarcity of funds became a problem for both countries in building the historical monument. Joseph Pulitzer, noted for the Pulitzer prize help raise funds for the pedestal through his newspaper. While Alexandre Gustave Eiffel, the designer of Eiffel Tower designed its skeletal framework.

The 25 windows in its crown signify the gemstones found on earth and the heaven's rays. The seven rays of the Statue's crown symbolize the seven seas and continents of the world. The tablet in her left hand reads "July 4th, 1776." Foreign or local tourists visiting New York never missed the chance of taking a glimpse of Liberty. For them, gazing at the marvelous structure is like reminiscing the bonds of friendship of both countries.