On Friday of last week the kids were off from school so we decided to take a day trip up to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty with my dear friend Peggy and her son, Michael's buddy, Trevor.
We parked at Liberty Park and took the ferry on over to the two islands. Here is the brand new "Empty Sky Memorial" dedicated on September 11th, 2011 at Liberty Park in Jersey City, New Jersey. This memorial honors the 746 New Jersey-ans who lost their lives in the horrific twin tower attacks of 9/11.
The memorial represents the two towers at 208 ft 10 inches long and 30 feet high and it bears the name of each person who perished on that tragic day. The granite walkway between the two walls provides a direct view to the now empty site of the twin towers in Manhattan.
Here we are arriving at Ellis Island.
From 1892 to 1924 over 12 million immigrants were processed through Ellis Island. The inspection process took anywhere from 3 to 7 hours, but this made no difference to most who came through Ellis Island. For them it was "The island of Hope" as they were just beginning their journey to new experiences and opportunity in America. And for those denied entry into the country, many who's families were torn apart by this action...the island for them became "The Island of Tears"
The New York City skyline as seen from from Ellis Island.
Michael and Trevor looking at Manhattan from Liberty Island, New York.
The Lady Liberty...the universal symbol of freedom and democracy.
Below is the mighty Verrazano Bridge...the longest suspension bridge in the United States. The bridge spans from Staten Island to Brooklyn and is one mile in length. It also serves as the starting line for the greatest marathon in the world! I am so glad I never saw this shot before I ran over it last November during the 42nd running of the NYC marathon.
The kids also studied to earn their Junior Ranger badges.
All in all it was a picture perfect day for everyone!
Well for almost everyone!!!
Linking this post to these parties...
Hi Barbara: I just voted for you! I envy all you guys that live in the eastern part of the US. California is beautiful and I love living here all my life, and it has some awesome places, but you are so close to everything historical, that you can take a 'day-trip' to the Statue of Liberty! I can't imagine. Cutie-pie family..Happy Sunday..Judy
ReplyDeleteBarbara,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your day trip photos! I've never seen the Endless Sky memorial before, but think it is a truly a wondrous work of art! I have also never visited Ellis Island, but two of my Greatgrandparents
entered the US there from Italy! Looks like you had a wonderful day!
dee dee
This is a great post and so made me miss New York! My husband is from Ireland and we especially loved visiting Ellis Island for it's immigrant history.
ReplyDeleteI am having a red, white and blue themed party to celebrate Memorial Day and July 4th! Would love if you'd link this post up!
http://teaganstravels.blogspot.com/2012/04/stars-and-stripes-party.html
Thanks, Michelle
Barbara! Thanks so much for sharing at the party. You photos are just amazing!
ReplyDeleteWOW I loved the post and all the pictures! What an awesome time!
ReplyDeleteI found you through Michelle's Party~
I'm also hosting one- Red, White and BLue- link up anything with those colors and Patriotic pictures, crafts and recipes!
I"d love for you to join in. Mine is also a contest and I will pin all post that link up on Pinterest!
Come join the fun! Susie
http://cafescrapper-scrapsoflife.blogspot.com/2012/05/link-up-anything-patriotic-25-amazon.html
What a great day of sightseeing all these emotionally charged sights! Wonderful photos! Glad everyone enjoyed their day. I've got a grand tour of New York on my bucket list. I've been to some spots there but B.D. (before digital!)
ReplyDeleteHi there what an amazing trip ... I always love combining travel with a bit of a history lesson and your photo of those old travel bags is quite moving. Puts it all in perspective, that travel for many means escape from war, hardship and the promise of a better life. And America was that for so many...we need to be reminded sometimes so thank you.
ReplyDelete