Key Symbol - Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty, also known as Lady Liberty is one of the most recognizable symbols of the United States. She is an indisputable symbol of liberty and freedom for all people. Her image alone arouses such positive emotionally charged feelings in Americans, immigrants and visitors. The statue remains a significant key cultural icon, representing national pride, as well as freedom from tyranny and poverty. The Statue of Liberty inspires all who see her immensely large frame rising above the waters in New York’s harbor, which holds the immortal words penned by Emma Lazarus inscribed on her base, "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! (Lazarus)" For in these words a key symbol of American pride became that which beckons to all who wish for more, for better, and for liberation from that which oppresses them.

For Americans, the Statue of Liberty is a key symbol distinguishing liberty and freedom. She carries the insurmountable burden of being the symbol for America’s national pride through its accomplishments. Originally named “Liberty Enlightening the World”, the statue was constructed as an icon celebrating America’s victories over adversity. This was evident at the statue’s inauguration in 1886. Before a crowd of thousands and President Grover Cleveland, the American people indentified “…almost immediately…” that the statue “…was widely regarded as a symbol of the nation.” (Scherer Arts and Entertainment) The people instantaneously accepted this magnificent work of art as a symbol of their power and strength. Furthermore, the key symbolism can be felt through the emotions evoked through the interpretation of her “no-nonsense” facial attitude seen through all those who look upon. This is a representative of strength and resolve in the people of America. This is confirmed by the work of the