U.S. to reopen Statue of Liberty crown on July 4

Source: Xinhua | 05-09-2009 09:41

NEW YORK, May 8 (Xinhua) -- The crown of the Statue of Liberty, which has remain closed to the public after the September 11 terror attacks, will reopen on July 4, U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced here Friday.

File photo taken on April 12, 2009 shows the Statue of Liberty in New York. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said on May 8 the crown of the Statue of Liberty will reopen July 4. The statue was closed to the public after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks because of security concerns.  (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

"On July 4, we are giving America a special gift," Salazar told a news conference on nearby Ellis Island. July 4 is the Independence Day of the United States.

The decision to reopen the crown was based on an analysis of the structure by the National Park Service, Salazar said.

Only 30 visitors an hour, chosen by lottery, will be allowed to visit the crown. They will be brought to the crown in groups of 10and guided by a park ranger.