Everett, Wash.
Published: Sunday, July 5, 2009

Lady Liberty's crown reopens

Los Angeles Times

 NEW YORK -- For the first time since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Americans on Saturday were allowed to clamber up the steep steps to enter the Statue of Liberty's crown, a Fourth of July event that promoters said was a sign of the United States' efforts to overcome fears of the past and celebrate a new American era.

The first ferry bringing people to Liberty Island purred up the New York Harbor at 7 a.m., as the early-morning sun shone on the statue's golden torch, more than 300 feet above the sparkling water.

Reaching the crown involves climbing a narrow double-helix staircase, with no option of turning back because of the inevitable lines of people snaking their way up. There are 146 steps in the crown climb, said Darren Boch, a National Park Service spokesman. The total steps from the statue's base, which was reopened on 2004, to the crown number 354.

Unlike in the past, only 10 people will be permitted into the crown. Visitors will pass through rigid security checks akin to boarding a flight.

The only delay occurred when Aaron Weisinger of Danville, Calif., got down on one knee, produced a huge diamond ring and proposed to Erica Breder, his girlfriend of three years. She said yes.

Weisinger said the elaborate proposal had been in the works since news of the crown's reopening was announced in May.

"It took a lot of phone calls," said Weisinger, who even wrote to Obama in a frantic search to guarantee tickets for the crown.

Eventually, he got four tickets from someone who heard of his quest. Two tickets were given to friends, who slowed the line of visitors Saturday to give room to Weisinger to kneel down.
© 2009The Daily Herald Co., Everett, WA