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Message from the Mother of Exiles

Photo Credit: Cliffview Pilot

My mom, grandmother and grandfather were among the more than 12 million immigrants who were greeted by the majestic gift from France as they entered these United States over a span of 60 years.


After raising three children of her own, my mom went to community college and, when she got her degree, wanted to be photographed at Liberty State Park — the three of us around her and the statue in the background.

Alight my shores, the statue seemed to say, and you will create stories such as these.

On July 4th, visitors were again be able to climb the 168 steps to the Statue of Liberty’s crown, during a gala ceremony.



The base, pedestal and lower observation deck have been reopened since 9/11, but this is a symbolic American gesture — telling the world we won’t blink in the face of any threat.

You can reservations by calling 877-523-9849. Or go to statuecruises.com.

Crown tickets cost $3 above the regular admission charge, which is $12 for adults and $5 for children. Seniors get in for $10. All include the ferry ride.

Only 240 visitors will be allowed each day. A lottery will determine the 30 visitors an hour who can climb the narrow, spiral staircase to the crown each hour. A National Park Service ranger will shepherd them in groups of 10.

In two years, the crown will be closed again for further renovation, federal authorities said.

Nearly $25 million in stimulus funding will be used for improvements at Ellis Island including stabilizing a 1908 building and repairing the seawall.

“These projects are an investment in America’s future that will create jobs, stimulate the economies of local communities, and get our country moving again,” Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said in a previous news release.

They also will allow us, the children of immigrants, and many of the aging immigrants themselves, to hold onto solid symbols of our respective legacies.

 

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