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For immigrants, visitors and returning Americans traveling by ship, a welcome
site greeted them as they approached the shores of the United States telling
them that they have arrived at their destination after a long ocean voyage from
Europe. Given as a gift to the United States from the people of France in 1886
the 151 ft. tall Statue of Liberty (305 ft. tall with the pedestal and
foundation) stands on Liberty Island in New York Harbor and is today accessible
by ferry.
President Grover Cleveland unveiled the statue on October 28,
1886. On the tablet held by the statue reads the date the Declaration of
Independence was adopted, July 4, 1776, in Roman numerals (July IV, MSCCLXXVI).
Each part of the statue has special meaning -- enlightenment, knowledge, moving
forward, freedom from oppression and tyranny, the Seven Seas and seven
continents. Often referred to as "Lady Liberty", this statue has been known as a
symbol of democracy and freedom for arriving immigrants and throughout the world
there are hundreds of other Statues of Liberty.
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