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:
What it Takes to Get to the Crown of the Statue of Liberty
Now that tourists will be able to climb all the way up to the crown of the Statue of Liberty this summer, there is another question to consider: how long does it take to get to the stop of the statue and how great a shape do you have to be in? Meredith Vieira, Al Roker, Matt Lauer and Ann Curry documented their climb to the top. The climb goes up a narrow, spiral staircase that begins at Lady Liberty's feet. There are 354 steps and is not a trip for anyone who is claustrophobic, scared of heights or who has trouble climbing stairs. But the view from the top makes it all worth while. Take a look:
Statue of Liberty's Crown Open for Visitors This Summer
Matt Lauer, Meredith Vieira and Al Roker got a special tour of the Statue of Liberty, even getting to broadcast from go inside Lady Liberty's crown, which has been closed for years. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazer announced that visitors will also be able to visit the crown, starting this summer. The view is amazing. Take a look:
