Visit Awakenings sister site, catnipoflife,
************************
June 17, 1885: Statue of Liberty
 |
| On this day in 1885, the dismantled State of Liberty, a gift of friendship from the people of France to the people of America, arrives in New York Harbor. |
Gateway
to America
From 1892 to 1954, over twelve million immigrants
entered the United States through the portal of Ellis Island.
This small island in New York Harbor
lies within the shadow of the Statue of Liberty.
Open portal to liberty
An island so small
Its gateway to America
Heeded freedom's call. . .
A call to come in
Away from daily strife
Where bloodshed ruled
Under blade of the knife. . .
Where bondage and chains
Were left far behind
No more tears and scars
Only peace of mind. . .
Where heart and mind
The spirit's retreat
Welcomed those who came in
To rest and replete
But not without toil
Labor nor skill
For freedom's not free
Just the free will. . .
The will to be better
The will to overcome
To pledge and honor
The beat of her drum. . .
The heartbeat of America
Standing guard, proud and strong
The Statue of Liberty
Embodied a daily song. . .
A song about courage
To stand up and fight
On that you could see
By her very might
In New York Harbor
Lady Liberty still stands tall
Her torch ever burning
A beacon of liberty for all
Open portal to liberty
Ellis Island so small
Its gateway to America
Beckons freedom for all
From 1892 to 1954, over twelve million immigrants
entered the United States through the portal of Ellis Island.
This small island in New York Harbor
lies within the shadow of the Statue of Liberty.
Open portal to liberty
An island so small
Its gateway to America
Heeded freedom's call. . .
A call to come in
Away from daily strife
Where bloodshed ruled
Under blade of the knife. . .
Where bondage and chains
Were left far behind
No more tears and scars
Only peace of mind. . .
Where heart and mind
The spirit's retreat
Welcomed those who came in
To rest and replete
But not without toil
Labor nor skill
For freedom's not free
Just the free will. . .
The will to be better
The will to overcome
To pledge and honor
The beat of her drum. . .
The heartbeat of America
Standing guard, proud and strong
The Statue of Liberty
Embodied a daily song. . .
A song about courage
To stand up and fight
On that you could see
By her very might
In New York Harbor
Lady Liberty still stands tall
Her torch ever burning
A beacon of liberty for all
Open portal to liberty
Ellis Island so small
Its gateway to America
Beckons freedom for all
©2012
Awakenings
Sharla Lee Shults
Sharla Lee Shults
Sharla,
ReplyDeleteA wonderful tribute, beautifully written to our wonderful country which we so often forget.
Micki
Micki, thank you for your comments. Unfortunately, too many have forgotten HOW America got her freedom! Too much is expected without being truly appreciated.
DeleteI didn't know any of this, Sharla. Thank you so much for sharing about America. I was always fascinated by the history of different countries; this certainly made for an interesting read.
ReplyDeleteWOW! I do appreciate your comments! Stay tuned for continuation of the On the Road to Independence series. These postings lead to America winning its independence. If you have not been following the series, type the word Independence in the search box at the top left-hand corner of the p
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete