Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World (July 4, 1884) a symbol of freedom throughout the world, was given by the nation of France to the United States as a symbol of friendship between the two nations. The largest of its kind, the statue weighs 450,000 pounds and stands 305 feet above the base of the pedestal. Sculpted by the French sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, it was conceived by Edouard de Laboulaye and constructed over a steel structure built by Gustave Eiffel. Frederic Auguste Bartholdi wrote:
<The statue was born for this place which inspired its conception. May God be pleased to bless my efforts and my work, and to crown it with success, the duration and the moral influence which it ought to have.> 1884SL001
On October 28, 1886, the inauguration ceremony of the Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World was begun with a prayer by Reverend Richard S. Storrs, D.D.:
<Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, who art of infinite majesty and mercy, by whose counsel and might the courses of the worlds are wisely ordained and irresistibly established, yet who takest thought of the children of men, and to whom our homage in all our works is justly due: We bless and praise Thee...
It is in Thy favor, and through the operation of the Gospel of Thy grace, that cities stand in quiet prosperity; that peaceful commerce covers the seas...
We pray that the Liberty which it represents may continue to enlighten with beneficent instruction, and to bless with majestic and wide benediction, the nations which have part in this work of renown...
We pray for all the nations of the earth; that in equity and charity their sure foundations may be established; that in piety and wisdom they may find a true welfare, in obedience to Thee, glory and praise; and that, in all the enlargements of their power, they may be ever the joyful servants of Him to whose holy dominion and kingdom shall be no end.> 1884SL002
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American Quotations by William J. Federer, 2024, All Rights Reserved, Permission granted to use with acknowledgement.
Endnotes:
1884SL001. William J. Federer, American Quotations (2014). Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World. Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, sculptor, The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World (New York: North American Review, Published for the benefit of the Pedestal Fund, 1885).
1884SL002. William J. Federer, American Quotations (2014). Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World. October 28, 1886, prayer by Reverend Richard S. Storrs, D.D. opening the inauguration ceremony. Inauguration of the Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World, by the President of the United States (New York: D. Appleton and Company, 1887), pp. 18-21.