Celebrating 137 Years of Freedom and Friendship: The Statue of Liberty’s Enduring Legacy

On October 28, 1886, an iconic symbol of liberty and hope was officially unveiled in New York Harbor. Today, the Statue of Liberty stands tall as a testament to the enduring French-American friendship and a beacon of freedom. On the 137th anniversary of this remarkable gift from France to the United States, we celebrate not only its historical significance but also its ongoing preservation.

A Symbol of Freedom:

The Statue of Liberty, a colossal neoclassical sculpture designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, was a gift from the people of France to the United States. It was intended to commemorate the centennial of the American Declaration of Independence and symbolize the shared values of liberty and democracy that both nations held dear. Standing at an impressive 151 feet and weighing 225 tons, Lady Liberty has since become an emblem of freedom, democracy, and human rights, inspiring generations of Americans and visitors worldwide.

The French-American Friendship:

The statue’s dedication in 1886 marked a significant milestone in the enduring friendship between France and the United States. A powerful symbol of solidarity, it was meant to remind the world of the alliance between the two nations during the American Revolution, when France provided critical support to the American cause. This historic partnership laid the foundation for the enduring French-American friendship that continues to thrive today.

Photo by Pierre Blaché: https://www.pexels.com/photo/statue-of-liberty-under-blue-sky-3554594/

The Restoration Efforts:

As the years have passed, the Statue of Liberty has faced the challenges of time, weather, and wear. To ensure the preservation of this iconic monument, organizations like the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation have dedicated themselves to restoration and maintenance. The foundation’s commitment to safeguarding the statue’s structural integrity ensures that Lady Liberty will stand for generations to come.

Joining the Celebration:

On this 137th anniversary, let us join the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation (@statueellisfdn) in celebrating this remarkable milestone. Their unwavering dedication to preserving the statue’s legacy is a testament to the enduring value of this iconic symbol.

The Statue of Liberty continues to stand as a radiant symbol of hope and freedom. Its torch, held high, represents the pursuit of liberty and justice for all. May it serve as a reminder that the values of democracy, liberty, and equality are not just ideals but enduring principles we must cherish and protect. Happy 137th birthday, Lady Liberty!

In the words of Bartholdi, the statue’s creator, “Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth.” The Statue of Liberty, after 137 years, still stands tall as a testament to the rapid growth of liberty and the enduring friendship between France and the United States.

Header Photo Credit by Nataraj Munoli: https://www.pexels.com/photo/statue-of-liberty-66709/

About the Author

Isabelle Karamooz, Founder of FQM is originally from Versailles, France. She always wanted to see the world, which she did starting at 17 when she had the fortunate opportunity to study abroad in Rhonda, Spain. She traveled the world from Hong Kong to Taiwan, from Ireland to Austria, to Luxembourg, Liechtenstein and Monaco, and discovered the entire countries of Italy and Morocco. She really feels like a citizen of the world. She finally settled several years in Los Angeles where she worked at the French Consulate of Los Angeles. Passionate about the Arts and History, she earned a Bachelor's degree in History from the University of California Berkeley and have studied for a Master program in teaching at the University of Southern California, then she went on to teach French to aspiring UNLV and CSN students in Nevada. She is the founder and Editor in chief of French Quarter Magazine, in which she writes, interviews people in a wide range of circumstances, pitches story ideas to writers and journalists, takes photos, and is currently writing her first work in English, which spans the life of Coco Chanel and is filled with adventure, intrigue, history and love.