News & Columns > Michael P. Neufeld > Statue of Liberty Crown Now Open (Photo Update)

Statue of Liberty Crown Now Open (Photo Update)

By Michael P. Neufeld
Saturday, July 4, 2009

The crown of the Statue of Liberty, closed after 9/11, reopens to the public July 4, 2009. (Photo by National Park Service.)

(Photo by National Park Service.)

New York, NY - The path to the light of liberty—represented by the Statue of Liberty—reopened to all July 4, figuratively and literally.

The Obama administration announced that, July 4, the crown of the Statue of Liberty—closed following the events of September 11, 2001—is now open to the public.

The significance of the announcement, made by Interior Secretary Ken Salazar on a recent "Today" show on NBC, loudly proclaims to the world that the United States offers a path to the light of liberty.

The crown of the Statue of Liberty, closed since 9-11, will reopen July 4. Former First Lady Nancy Reagan is shown in the crown following renovations to the statue in 1986. (Photo by Reagan Library/Wikimedia Commons.)

Years ago I was in New York and set to visit Lady Liberty, but fog prevented the ferry from making the short trip to Liberty Island (Ellis Island).

I had relatives who entered the United States through Ellis Island and I remember them telling me how the first sight they had of the "new country" was of the Statue of Liberty.

The Statue of Liberty, officially known as Liberty Enlightening the World, was a gift from the people of France in 1886.

The crown of Liberty Enlightening the World, better known as the Statue of Liberty, is set to allow 30 visitors per hour to take in the view of New York Harbor beginning July 4. (Photo by National Park Service.)

The statue, dedicated on October 28, 1886, is the central part of Statue of Liberty National Monument and is administered by the National Park Service.

Prior to 9-11, the statue and crown were open to the public, who would walk the circular stairs to take a view of New York Harbor through 25 windows. The largest window is 18-inches high and looks out into the harbor. The view of the New York skyline is through very small windows on the left side of the crown.

Previous to the closure, about 30 people at a time were allowed in the crown. The wait in line often exceeded three hours.

Flash to the present, Salazar has announced that, as of July 4, a lottery will be used to allow 30 persons per hour to enter the crown. He also indicated that number would increase, as soon as the security measures have been tested and refined.

I've been watching for news of the crown's reopening, ever since Salazar announced in January of this year that he was intent on reopening the Statue of Liberty's crown to the public.

Maybe it's time to make a trip back to New York to visit Lady Liberty. But, even if I don't make it right away, just knowing the crown is reopening signals a very strong sense of patriotism.

LET FREEDOM RING!

This article was first published on Friday, May 8, 2009 at 7:53 am. This article has been viewed 1811 times.

Michael P. Neufeld, Senior News Editor, is a graduate of the Dwight Bentel School of Journalism at San Jose State University. His first job out of San Jose State was with the Associated Press in Los Angeles as overnight Radio Editor. Prior to joining RIMOFTHEWORLD.net, Neufeld was editor of two weekly newspapers—THE MOUNTAIN NEWS and CRESTLINE COURIER-NEWS. He also has experience as editor of an employee newspaper for a major utility company and during his tenure as executive director of the San Jose State University Alumni Association served as faculty advisor to the association's monthly newsletter. He also spent eight years in commercial radio doing everything from news to advertising sales and writing commercials to being an announcer and on-air personality. Neufeld is actively involved the mountain communities including serving as master of ceremonies for the Arrowhead Arts Music Festival held each summer.

The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of RIMOFTHEWORLD.net. This column is copyrighted by Michael P. Neufeld.