The Statue of Liberty represents everything the modern world understands about freedom and democracy. For decades, the iconic statue served as both a greeting from the Land of Opportunity and a beacon of hope for the hundreds of thousands of immigrants stepping foot in America for the first time.

Given to America by the people of Fance on July 4, 1884, the statue itself is very symbolic. The woman in the statue is that if Libertas, the Roman goddess of freedom. In one hand, she bears a torch, representing progress and guidance. In the other hand is a tablet, symbolically representing the law, with July 4, 1776 inscribed on it. At her feet lies a length of broken chain, symbolizing democratic freedom and independence from tyranny and oppression.

And at the base of the statue, inscribed in an emblem for every visitor to behold, are the iconic words:

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!”

A trip to the Statue of Liberty is an absolute delight and a must-see for families vacationing in New York City. It humbles, inspires and reminds everyone what it means to be an American.