This weekend
we celebrated the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the
Declaration of Independence. The celebration of 250 years was marked with
tributes, firework displays, tall ships in the Hudson River, speeches,
reenactments and great joy. During the celebration, we were also experiencing a
major heat wave where temperatures were well over 100 degrees. There were shark
sightings and at least one person received a shark bite, dangerous riptides,
and storms that knocked down power lines. People were warned to hydrate and
stay indoors as much as possible.
Perhaps one of
the most beautiful parts of the celebration was the special on the Statue of Liberty.
The Statue of Liberty ("Liberty Enlightening the World")
is a universal symbol of freedom, democracy, and the United States' immigrant
heritage, gifted by France in 1886 to honor American independence and
friendship. It represents Enlightenment, opportunity, and the abolition of
slavery, welcoming millions to America as a beacon of hope. On the base of
the Statue is the poem written by Emma Lazarus entitled The New Colossus
welcoming those who came to America’s shores seeking freedom.
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!"
Even though
Ellis Island no longer welcomes immigrants Lady Liberty remains a symbol of
welcome and hope. May we continue to welcome those who seek liberty and freedom
from oppression. As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence,
may we seek peace and justice in all we do. May God bless the United States of
America.