I lift my lamp beside the golden door

The New Colossus by Emma Lazarus

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!"

I had so many gems to write about today, but then came across this poem written by Emma Lazarus which sums up our Lady Liberty visit. I'll leave this here in hopes you all take a moment to read it and spend some thoughtful time letting it's symbolism sink in.

'Liberty Enlightening the World', the name represents freedom from tyranny and oppression and the forever-lit torch carries enlightenment to the world. Lady Liberty faces the East, welcoming new comers, with The United States behind her in support.

We were moved by this tour of Lady Liberty and Ellis Island. For four hours we listened, observed and had purposeful moments of silence.