The Statue of Liberty, alongside other visual patriotic representations like the Star Spangled Banner and the likeness of Uncle Sam, is an icon the world associates not only with our country, but also with liberty and all that it stands for. On the 4th July the statue will be part of the Independence Day celebrations in an exciting and poignant way.

News that the Statue of Liberty’s crown will reopen on the 4th July this year comes as welcome and heartwarming news for many Americans. Because of concerns regarding security the statue was closed after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar made the announcement at a news conference held on Ellis Island recently, describing the gesture as a ‘special gift, for America.

Since the initial closure of the statue its base, pedestal and lower observation deck have been opened. It is only the crown that has yet to have life breathed back into it.

Only thirty visitors per hour will be allowed access to the crown. These lucky individuals will be selected by a lottery system. A tour guide will accompany the chosen sightseers, who will ascend the 168-step spiral staircase to the statue’s pinnacle, in groups of ten.
In addition Mr Salazar also stated that $25 million of government stimulus funding is going to be invested in improvement of Ellis Island. One of the priorities of this spending will be the part restoration of a building circa 1908 and some much needed remedial work to the island’s seawall, which is crumbling.

The Statue will remain open to the public for a period of two years, after which it will close again in order that further scheduled repair work and safety checks can be carried out.