Students in WCA History teacher Dr. Dianna Lindsay’s classes were treated to cake and facts about the origin and symbolism of the Statue of Liberty…by a costumed Lindsay dressed as Lady Liberty herself. The Statue of Liberty turned 130 last Friday, October 28th. Located on Liberty Island in New York City, “The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World” was a gift of friendship from the people of France to the United States and is recognized as a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. The Statue of Liberty was dedicated on October 28, 1886, and was designated as a National Monument in 1924. Employees of the National Park Service have been caring for the colossal copper statue since 1933.

Lindsay shared some interesting facts and little known symbols in the presentation of the Birthday celebration, such as the fact that the statue has a broken chain at the ankle, which represented ‘freedom newly achieved’ and is thought to point to the end of slavery in the United States, as the delivery came just after the end of the Civil War. Also the seven points on her radiant crown symbolized the shining beacon of liberty spread over the seven continents and seven seas. And inscribed on the tablet held in her left arm is the date ‘July 4th, 1776’, the date of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

More interesting facts about the Statue of Liberty:

• The Statue faced several obstacles to completion, including a deep recession in 1885 that left the country unable to complete the pedestal, which was the United States’ responsibility to fund and complete.
• When construction resumed it was done almost entirely by immigrant labor, which finished it with substantial speed.
• Upon completion of the structure, a giant tarp was placed over it in advance of her unveiling.
• There was a fireworks display planned for the night of the unveiling on October 28th, which had to be postponed and took place on November 1st. Despite the rough weather conditions, nearly one million people attended the unveiling ceremony.