...and, the Staten Island Ferry was resplendent in its glory.
The National Park Service has opened the Statue of Liberty crown again beginning today, July 4, 2009. The crown has been closed since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. The statue by artist Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi was a gift to America from the people of France in 1886. It was designated a National Monument in 1924 and a United Nations World Heritage Site in 1984.
Shy and a park policeman who served in the honor guard during the ceremony.
Our Luxury-Lady Liberty Island Cruise Lines escort.
"We Aim to Please..."
Shy and David on liberty island - where are the cameras?
Pre- event logistics. Maybe 40 media will show? Over 60 ended up there!
7 service members set to become citizens at Statue of Liberty's July 4th crown opening
BY Stephanie Gaskell
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER
They defend our country's freedom, so there's no better place for seven members of the military to become U.S. citizens than Lady Liberty. The seven soldiers, sailors and Marines - all from New York - will gather at the base of the Statue of Liberty on July 4 for a naturalization ceremony, right before the statue's crown reopens to the public for the first time since 9/11.
The seven service members will then lead the Pledge of Allegiance as new U.S. citizens.
"These men and women have served their country with honor - and on Saturday, their country will honor them," said Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Jane Holl Lute, who is overseeing the ceremony. "Their service in defense of freedom sends the message that all can find their freedom here." Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, along with several dignitaries including Mayor Bloomberg, New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine and French Ambassador Pierre Vimont, will cut a ribbon at the steps to the crown in the statue's lobby. Former "American Idol" contestant and Broadway star Constantine Maroulis will sing the national anthem, accompanied by the Albany Marine Band. The French national anthem will also be played.
Ken Burns delivered an amazing history of the Statue as Master of Ceremony.
Documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, acclaimed for his popular studies of World War II, the Civil War, baseball and jazz, hopes to rekindle public appreciation for our national parks and the people who fought to create them in his latest series, "The National Parks: America’s Best Idea.”
Secretary of Interior Salazar at the re-opening of the crown of the Statue of Liberty.
Shy belts out the national anthem. Go Shy!
Kate Snow of Good Morning America readies the 7 soldiers for their live segment at the base of the statue on July 4th. Minutes later the soldiers became US citizens and walked up the crown. I did not get to go.
Good Morning America sets up volunteers as backdrop for its 4th of July segment.
Ted and Jennifer Stewart, dressed up for Halloween.
Andrea and Ken Burns
I felt so much better about drinking the water knowing dedicated public servants working for the NY water department were sampling it.
