Celebrating the statue of liberty's 138th birthday in New York

On October 28, 2024, the Statue of Liberty marked its 138th birthday in New York. This iconic landmark was dedicated in 1886 to a massive audience of approximately one million New Yorkers who celebrated with parades on land and sea. Originally a gift from France, the statue was designed by the renowned sculptor Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi and constructed on Bedloe's Island, which is now known as Liberty Island. The project also involved Richard Morris Hunt who designed its pedestal. The statue was shipped to the United States in pieces, symbolizing a unique collaboration, as many of the workers assembling it were new immigrants themselves. This aspect highlighted the statue's representation of freedom and opportunity for people arriving in America. In a typical year, it attracts over 3 million visitors, underscoring its status as a significant tourist attraction and cultural emblem. The construction materials include 31 tons of copper, with the thickness of its sheeting being just 3/32 of an inch—comparable to the width of two pressed pennies. The statue is designed to sway slightly in high winds, with its body swaying up to three inches and the torch up to six inches. In 1986, the torch was replaced, introducing a comprehensive restoration for this beloved landmark. The dedication of the statue exemplified a crucial moment in U.S. history, marking the friendship between France and the United States and serving as a welcoming symbol for millions of immigrants arriving on American shores.