What is the significance of the tablet held by Lady Liberty?

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By Kristy Tolley

Lady Liberty and her tablet

The Statue of Liberty is an iconic symbol of freedom and democracy in the United States, standing tall in New York Harbor since its dedication in 1886. Lady Liberty’s majestic figure holds a torch in one hand and a tablet in the other. While the torch represents enlightenment and hope, the tablet is a powerful symbol of her message to the world.

The history of Lady Liberty’s tablet

The idea of Lady Liberty holding a tablet was first suggested by Edouard de Laboulaye, the Frenchman who proposed the idea of the statue as a gift from France to America. The original design for the statue’s tablet was to be inscribed with the date of America’s Declaration of Independence. However, when the statue was completed, the tablet held by Lady Liberty was left blank.

The inscription on Lady Liberty’s tablet

In 1903, a sonnet by American poet Emma Lazarus, "The New Colossus," was added to the base of the statue as a tribute to the millions of immigrants who entered America through New York Harbor. The poem’s iconic lines, "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free," were inscribed on a bronze plaque and placed on the statue’s pedestal, transforming Lady Liberty’s tablet into a symbol of American ideals.

The symbolism behind Lady Liberty’s tablet

The tablet held by Lady Liberty is a symbol of law and education, representing the values of democracy and freedom. The tablet is inscribed with the date of America’s independence, symbolizing the nation’s birth and its commitment to these values. The tablet also represents the importance of education in maintaining a free society, as it is a reminder of the laws that govern and protect the people.

Lady Liberty’s tablet and American ideals

Lady Liberty’s tablet represents the ideals of America, including democracy, freedom, and liberty. It serves as a reminder to all who see it that these values are at the heart of the American experience. The tablet’s inscription, "July IV MDCCLXXVI," reminds us of the importance of the Declaration of Independence and the values it represents.

The role of Lady Liberty’s tablet in immigration

Lady Liberty’s tablet has become an enduring symbol of America’s commitment to welcoming immigrants. The inscription on the bronze plaque at the base of the statue, which celebrates the nation’s diversity and inclusiveness, is a powerful statement of this commitment. For generations of immigrants, seeing the statue and her tablet has been a symbol of hope and opportunity.

Lady Liberty’s tablet and the American Dream

Lady Liberty’s tablet is an integral part of the American Dream, which promises that anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve success in America. The inscription on the plaque at the base of the statue embodies the spirit of this dream, inviting all who seek freedom and opportunity to come to America.

The evolution of Lady Liberty’s tablet over time

Over the years, Lady Liberty’s tablet has evolved from a simple symbol of America’s birth to a powerful icon of the nation’s values and ideals. The addition of Emma Lazarus’s poem in 1903 transformed the tablet into a symbol of hope and a beacon of welcome to all who seek refuge in America.

Lady Liberty’s tablet has become a ubiquitous symbol of America, appearing in movies, television shows, and even on T-shirts and other merchandise. It is a testament to the enduring power and significance of the statue in American culture and history.

The controversy surrounding Lady Liberty’s tablet

In recent years, there has been controversy surrounding Lady Liberty’s tablet, with some arguing that the inscription on the plaque at the base of the statue is too welcoming to immigrants. However, the majority of Americans continue to see the statue and her tablet as an enduring symbol of America’s commitment to democracy and freedom.

Conclusion: Lady Liberty’s enduring message through her tablet

Lady Liberty’s tablet is a powerful symbol of America’s values and ideals, representing the nation’s commitment to freedom, democracy, and opportunity. For generations, the statue and her tablet have been a source of inspiration and hope, reminding us of the importance of these values and the role they play in shaping the American experience.

References: Sources for further reading on Lady Liberty’s tablet

  • Statue of Liberty National Monument. (n.d.). The Statue of Liberty – Ellis Island Foundation, Inc. Retrieved August 11, 2021, from https://www.statueofliberty.org/the-statue-of-liberty/
  • National Park Service. (n.d.). Statue of Liberty – History & Culture. Retrieved August 11, 2021, from https://www.nps.gov/stli/learn/historyculture/index.htm
  • Young, E. (2016, June 29). The Symbolism of Lady Liberty’s Tablet. Retrieved August 11, 2021, from
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Kristy Tolley

Kristy Tolley, an accomplished editor at TravelAsker, boasts a rich background in travel content creation. Before TravelAsker, she led editorial efforts at Red Ventures Puerto Rico, shaping content for Platea English. Kristy's extensive two-decade career spans writing and editing travel topics, from destinations to road trips. Her passion for travel and storytelling inspire readers to embark on their own journeys.

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