Hindustan Times, Agence France-Presse, New York, The Statue of Liberty, iconic symbol of freedom, New York City and US immigration, celebrated its 125th birthday on Saturday, before closing for a year's repairs. More than 1,000 people from the United States and France, the country that gifted the statue in the 19th century, feted the occasion on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, complete with a statue-shaped green cake. "She remains an inspiration for people all around the world," New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said. "Lady Liberty is an enduring symbol of freedom, tolerance and openness that represents our country's highest ideals," interior secretary Ken Salazar said. The event echoed the original October 28, 1886 inauguration of the monument in front of then-president Grover Cleveland. The Statue of Liberty, created by French sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, was presented to the United States as a sign of friendship from the people of France. It came to symbolize freedom -- especially for immigrants, 12 million of whom passed through nearby Ellis Island as they entered the United States. Friday's ceremony also saw 125 modern day immigrants from more than 40 countries become citizens, including Eloise Zinger, 30, from France. "I feel French, but now also American," she said. "It's a very moving occasion. I came here from Paris as a student and at once I adored it." Read Full: Statue of Liberty celebrates 125th birthday - Hindustan Times, Image: flickr.com
