We got up early and started this morning with a little boat ride to the Statue of Liberty. It was cold and windy, but the sun kept us in good spirits. Sometimes you just need to embrace being a tourist.
We did the "Pedestal Tour" (the Crown is still closed due to COVID). It was cool to see how the pedestal was an old 11-point star Fort and the base of granite was made to be super grand, but America kept it simple. We got to go up five stories, to just under the feet, and could look up and see the inner framework of the statue. Very cool.
The museum has full-sized replicas of the foot and face. As well as the original flame which was beyond repair and replaced by gold plating at this point.
Heading towards Ellis Island. The family on my mom's side (Norwegian and Swedish) all immigrated through here. The museum definitely impressed upon us how strenuous the journey and process were. I'm not sure that I would have been up for it. But I'm so thankful my ancestors were.
The dormitory rooms had these funky double beds that were triple stacked. The whole contraption could be raised to the ceiling during the day to get out of the way.
After a rest at the hotel, we headed over to the 911 Memorial and Museum. Reed was reminded by a worker to not lean on the names surrounding the monument fountains. At that point I asked the kids why they thought that was a rule, and they explained it was out of respect. But Reed really had no idea what 911 was. So we went over to Liberty Park which overlooks the monument and watched some video footage. I cried a lot today. I had no idea I would feel those feelings so strongly. But they are still here, twenty years later. I'm proud that my kids know about this important aspect to recent history. That's the important part.
This ball was the fountain standing between the original north and south towers. It was recovered and intentionally not repaired to stand tribute to that day.
Edison with the oculus behind him.
The slurry wall and final column. The museum is on the actual spot of the towers and is largely underground in that space. Much of it is not able to be photographed. So important and I highly recommend the time spent in honor of the people who died and for our country's path that was forever altered.
We were all tired out by the end of the evening. But sleeping pretty well here. Especially when I move Reed over to the sofa bed.
