The Statue of Liberty raises her torch…

To benefit Special Olympics.

Kat finishes the race!

Happy 4th of July!  Today I ran the Statue of Liberty 5K to benefit Special Olympics. They closed the island to the general public until after the race, so we had the run of the place – no pun intended.  The National Anthem, sung by a cute little Special Olympian, started it off.  Many opportunities for photographers to get that “money shot” of you exist because you circle the island seven times.  You also get a really cool medal for your effort at the finish. This event is special since it is still a relatively small race of about 300 people.  But  I imagine it will be quite crowded in a few years.  A surprise perk was a complimentary entrance to the Statue of Liberty itself!  It’s a great way to celebrate Independence Day, and what location is more patriotic than this one?

To greet her visitors.

The Statue of Liberty – view from the ferry.

By the end of my tour of the gift shop, Liberty Island bustled with visitors.  Time for me to go!  People came out early to spend the day at Liberty State Park.  (Or maybe they came just to make sure they got a parking spot.) The parking lot, while practically empty when I left on the ferry for the island, was full when I returned.  The party started without me!  Music played, people ate picnic lunches, kids rode bicycles along the waterfront, and the amusements set up for the celebration entertained young and old.

To remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice defending her.

Every time I visit here, I reflect on how far my country has come in its relatively short existence, and the hope and promise that it held for many that risked everything to get here.  What amazes me is the number of people that live within close proximity of the Statue of Liberty, and have never been to visit!  Then my mood sobers.  I shed a tear as I remember all of those who lost their lives defending America over the years.  A heart-felt thank you to all the veterans out there.

The Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial in Liberty State Park

And then I see The “Empty Sky” 9/11 Memorial for the first time.  It frames the New York skyline where the twin towers no longer stand.  The view strikes a nerve, and chills run down my spine.  Nearly fifteen years later I am still greatly affected by that tragedy.  The sleek steel walls are as long as the twin towers were wide, and they have a calming effect on me.  But it doesn’t diminish the horror of that day, nor does it dilute my memory of it.  But we must go on…long live America!

Looking through The Empty Sky Memorial toward Manhattan

Empty Sky Memorial Inscription on the west wall