Miss Usa

A gift to our country from France, she stands majestically in New York Harbor, an icon of freedom and this country. Her importance is not new, yet our nation remains in awe of her. She exists because long ago men desired to give liberty a name. Lady Liberty is a stately, proud beauty. Every inch of her symbolizes some big or small freedom. Did I say "small freedom"? Forgive me. Her loose, flowing robe envelops us. Each fold represents shelter. Her torch bears no real flame, yet, it warms my soul and lifts my spirits. Her crown is mine--and yours. Yes, we are royalty. This date, precious as it is, is not the equal of the one cradled in her left hand—July 4, 1776. A broken chain lies at her feet, symbolizing the end of an era, as slavery was no longer legal. The message “Give me your tired, your poor . . .” is now at the center of heated controversy. We gaze upon her and know she represents a land of certainties and uncertainties; successes and failures; laughter and tears; justice and injustice; feast and famine; weakness and strength. She is unique, as is the United States of America. The Statue of Liberty arrived from France in crates. The “Give me your tired . . . “ message is inscribed on a plaque in the museum at the Statue’s base. On Oct. 28, 1886, the Statue of Liberty was officially dedicated during a ceremony presided over by President Grover Cleveland. The celebration also included something that would eventually become a New York City tradition of its own: its first ticker-tape parade. August 20, 2018, entered in Brahn Bailey's (Your) Country 'Tis of Thee Contest