The Statue of Liberty, a symbol of freedom and hope, stands tall and proud in New York Harbor. But have you ever wondered who the woman behind this iconic statue is? Her name is officially known as “Mother of Exiles”.
The Statue of Liberty was a gift to the United States from France, intended to celebrate the friendship between the two nations and the spirit of liberty and democracy. Designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, its construction began in 1875 and was completed in 1884. The statue was then disassembled, shipped to the United States, and reassembled on Liberty Island before its dedication on October 28, 1886.
The name “Mother of Exiles” comes from a famous sonnet written by Emma Lazarus called “The New Colossus”. This sonnet was written in 1883 and was later inscribed on a bronze plaque and placed inside the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty in 1903. The sonnet depicts the statue as a welcoming figure, symbolizing the hopes and dreams of those who sought refuge and a better life in America. It is a testament to the United States as a land of opportunity and a beacon of hope for immigrants.
The words of the sonnet, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,” have become synonymous with the Statue of Liberty and its message of inclusivity and acceptance. They serve as a reminder of the values that the United States was built upon and continue to inspire generations of immigrants.
Today, the Statue of Liberty stands as a powerful symbol of freedom and democracy, welcoming millions of visitors each year. Its name, “Mother of Exiles”, encapsulates the spirit of the statue and its significance in the history of the United States.
For more information on Emma Lazarus and her famous sonnet, you can visit the National Park Service website.
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