What is the famous saying on the Statue of Liberty?

The Famous Saying on the Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty, a grand and iconic symbol of freedom, is located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. This colossal neoclassical sculpture was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and dedicated on October 28, 1886. The statue is often associated with the United States and the principles it stands for – liberty and democracy. Embracing a torch and holding a tablet inscribed with the date of the American Declaration of Independence, Lady Liberty is crowned with a radiant diadem. But what is the famous saying on the Statue of Liberty? Let’s explore this topic further.

“Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”

This powerful phrase is famously engraved on a bronze plaque inside the Statue of Liberty’s pedestal. It is a part of the sonnet “The New Colossus” written by Emma Lazarus in 1883. The sonnet was written to raise funds for the pedestal and later became closely associated with the statue. The specific verse that resonates with millions of people worldwide reads:

“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!'”

These remarkable words serve as a profound statement of tolerance and compassion. They represent America’s historic role as a beacon of hope for people facing adversity and seeking refuge in the country. The inscription captures the essence of the Statue of Liberty’s symbolic significance, reflecting the values of liberty, freedom, and inclusivity.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Famous Saying on the Statue of Liberty

1. Who wrote the famous saying on the Statue of Liberty?

Emma Lazarus, an American poet, wrote the famous saying in her sonnet “The New Colossus.”

2. When was the famous saying added to the Statue of Liberty?

The famous saying was added to the Statue of Liberty in 1903, almost two decades after the statue’s dedication.

3. Why was the famous saying added to the Statue of Liberty?

The famous saying was added to emphasize the statue’s role as a symbol of liberty and refuge for immigrants.

4. What is the significance of the famous saying?

The famous saying represents America’s open arms, welcoming immigrants and offering them an opportunity for a better life.

5. Are the words of the famous saying still relevant today?

Yes, the words of the famous saying are still relevant today, emphasizing America’s commitment to compassion and inclusivity.

6. How does the famous saying reflect America’s values?

The famous saying reflects America’s values by emphasizing its history as a nation built by immigrants and its commitment to providing refuge for those in need.

7. What does “huddled masses” refer to in the famous saying?

“Huddled masses” refers to people who are crowded or gathered together, typically symbolizing immigrants seeking a better life.

8. Why does the Statue of Liberty hold a torch?

The Statue of Liberty holds a torch to symbolize enlightenment and the spreading of liberty across the world.

9. What are some other famous quotes related to the Statue of Liberty?

Some other famous quotes related to the Statue of Liberty include “Out of many, one” and “This land is your land, this land is my land.”

10. How tall is the Statue of Liberty?

The Statue of Liberty stands at a height of 305 feet, including its pedestal. It was the tallest iron structure at the time of its completion.

11. How can visitors access the Statue of Liberty?

Visitors can access the Statue of Liberty via ferries from Battery Park in Lower Manhattan or Liberty State Park in New Jersey.

12. Is the famous saying on the Statue of Liberty visible to visitors?

While visitors cannot physically see the famous saying on the statue itself, it remains an integral part of the statue’s symbolism and significance.