The Statue of Liberty crown has reopened to the public. It is the first time visitors are allowed to see the view from the crown since the September 11th attack.
In a white tent established for a special swearing-in ceremony for new citizens, seven servicemen from countries ranging from Bangladesh to Guyana took the oath, the view of Manhattan in the background.
"It's a proud day today because of the opening of the doors of an American icon," said Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, adding that the new citizens' diversity illustrated the potpourri of humanity that makes the U.S. unique.
Salazar announced the crown's reopening in May, saying it was a "special gift" to Americans.
The move was seen as part of President Obama's attempts to distance the administration from the policies of his predecessor that critics said had hardened America's image since Sept. 11. The Bush administration contended that the attacks and the deaths of hundreds of people in the collapsing World Trade Center towers underscored the potential dangers to crown visitors in the event of another attack or other emergency.
July 4th is a fitting day for the monument to reopen. Take a look:
