I want to highlight the evolving meaning and symbolism behind the Statue of Liberty. For some Americans, the Statue of Liberty symbolizes 'freedom' in its most vague form. Yet, even its inception in 1865 was related to the abolition of slavery. Stepping on broken chains and shackles with her left foot, Lady Liberty "symbolizes the end of slavery and the triumph of liberty over oppression". This is an important fact, because it seems as only the centennial anniversary gift 1776-1876 is remembered. Secondly, the Statue of Liberty became a symbol for arriving immigrants to Ellis Island from 1892 to 1954.

Here is the poem by Emma Lazarus that truly summarizes the uniqueness and meaning of the Statue of Liberty.

The New Colossus (1883)

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,

With conquering limbs astride from land to land;

Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand

A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame

Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name

Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand

Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command

The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.

"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she

With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

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