She rises above the waters of New York Harbor, with her torch held high and her gaze fixed firmly toward the horizon. The Statue of Liberty stands as one of the most recognized and enduring symbols in the world. For nearly 140 years, she has welcomed millions to the shores of the United States, offering a silent promise of freedom, opportunity, and a new beginning. But Lady Liberty is more than just a landmark. She is a living symbol of the American dream—an icon forged in friendship, struggle, and unshakable ideals. A Gift from France to America The story of the Statue of Liberty begins in 1865, at the end…