Statue of Liberty Reopens

Life magazine has posted historic pictures of the Statue of Liberty, its reopening after repairs made following damages from Hurricane Sandy coincide with today's 4th of July celebration.

This slideshow reminded me of my last visit to see Lady Liberty and some of the pictures I took then. 

 Isn't she lovely?

photo by Carol Frugé

photo by Carol Frugé

The little people at the base of the statue's plinth look up to the torchbearer who welcomes the tired, poor and huddled masses yearning to breathe free, a familiar line from the poem "The New Colossus."

Independence Day makes me want to be a better student of American history, as well a citizen who prizes the heritage of this country. Parades and fireworks and picnics are a great way to celebrate, but it's worth remembering too what sets this day apart––because freedom isn't free.

Poem written by Emma Lazarus in 1883, engraved on a bronze plaque inside the Statue of Liberty

Check this out: Earthcam view of the Statue

Photo taken at the George W. Bush Library, where I visited last week

I like that this flag emphasizes the story, of which each of us is at least a footnote. 

Happy 4th of July

Happy 4th of July in Livingston, Montana

Even houses get decked out for the 4th of July

I love a parade. And so do millions of other people. Especially in small towns do people turn out to watch a parade. This year I got to watch the rodeo parade in Livingston, Montana, which reminded me so much of when we lived in Pampa, Texas. 

We picked a spot in the shade of the Post Office to watch the parade.

Crowds gathered in 90 degrees heat long before the parade started.

Let parade begin 

Woody, a real beauty

Kids line the street, scrambling to collect candy 

One of the first entrants, I wonder how long this Cub Scout lasted.

We would never have made it to Montana from Texas driving these cars. But wait, pioneers rode in wagons and on horseback. 

Bagpipe players in Montana? Life is filled with surprises.

 
Twirlers and majorettes from 1957 until now marched in their school colors. How cool. 

"Mothers, don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys." Yeah, right. 

20 Mule Team Borax? No. Outfitters.

Who dares dissent? Or argue with Betsy Ross?

A unicycle or a tri-cycle? Yes, he can ride and juggle.

A mad hatter

This horse is walking backwards.

The flavor of the Old West, cowboys and Indians

Patriots and Old Glory, and an old movie theater, too

Oodles of vintage cars in pristine condition …

… but this '55 Chevy had fuzzy dice

Clowns floated by

A skunk bug made a big stink 

Is it over?

Come back next year. We just might.