Mother of Exiles

She stands in the harbor of New York City facing to the east. Waiting to greet those from Europe that have longed for their day of freedom. She holds her torch high to signify enlightenment and a book that holds the date of our freedom to rule ourselves July 4, 1776. She does not stand still but is always on the move. The chains of tyranny lie at her feet. There are seven rays on her crown jetting skyward for the seven seas and continents. She is dress in the classic Roman stola and sandals and named for the Roman goddess Libertas, the goddess of freedom from slavery, oppression, and tyranny. Nicknamed The New Colassus after the Colassus of Rhodes, the Greek god Helios, considered one of the seven wonders of the world. She stands as bright as the sun leading the way to a new beginning. Inside the pedestal on a bronze plaque the sonnet "The New Colossus" by Emma Lazarus is inscribed.

The New Colossus

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,

With conquering limbs astride from land to land;

Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand

A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame

Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name

Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand

Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command

The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.

"Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she

With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"