Today is one of my favorite holidays! I love celebrating on the 4th of July for many reasons. I love hanging out in the summertime, swimming, cooking out, summertime drinks, sunny days and cool nights. There is just something extra special about July 4th that invokes fun for me. Perhaps its all the sparkles or the colors red, white and blue that bring a smile to my face.

One of the biggest monuments that represents this day is the Statue of Liberty. Lady Liberty has been watching over our nation for over 120 years. She has welcomed immigrants and visitors to the United States for over a century and is one of the biggest landmarks in the world.

She is a robed female representing the Roman goddess of freedom, Libertas. She holds a torch up high with one hand while holding a tablet in the other with the date of the American Declaration of Independence inscribed on it, July 4, 1776.

She is the product of  Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, a French sculptor. Bartholdi had the help of another famous sculptor, Gustave Eiffel, the famous designer and builder of the infamous Eiffel Tower in Paris, France.

Parts of the Statue of Liberty were displayed before she was fully unveiled in America. The torch was exhibited at the 1876 world’s fair in Philadelphia where visitors could climb to the torch. Her head and bust were displayed at the 1878 Paris World’s Fair. She was dedicated on October 28, 1886 where she finally found her home in Manhattan, New York City. She was christened La Liberté éclairant le monde or Liberty Enlightening the World. She truly is the ambassador to freedom and does it well.

There are lots of symbols that represent this patriotic holiday but my favorite has to be Lady Liberty. She has held her post and position for over a century, being the most gracious host for our nation.

Whether you like to entertain with fireworks or have a more low-key celebration, I wish you lots of happiness and fun on this colorful day. Be safe and enjoy this sparkle-filled day!