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Its correct name is “Liberty Enlightening the World”, but everyone just calls it the Statue of Liberty. A gift of friendship to the United States from the people of France, it shows the Roman goddess of freedom, holding a torch and a tablet upon which is inscribed the date of the American Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776. It is 151’ (46+ m) tall, and the torch is 305’ (93 m) above the ground. It was dedicated on October 28, 1886. Some 3 million tourists pay their respects every year: with so many visitors it has been closed for major renovations three times, including at present. The museum/pedestal on which it sits is open, though. The famous caption on the pedestal reads: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free”.
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North America
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