Statue of Liberty's Crown Reopens

July 4, 2009— -- For more than a century, Lady Liberty has watched over New York Harbor. The seven sharp spikes on her crown represent the seven continents and seas. Her torch is a symbol of enlightenment. She's the green lady recognized around the world.

Today, her crown once again opens to the public. Visits to the crown and pedestal were suspended after Sept. 11, 2001, as a security precaution. The pedestal reopened to visitors in 2004.

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced the crown would reopen in a May press conference. "We cannot eliminate all the risk of climbing to the crown, but we are taking steps to make it safer," he said.

Security improvements include additional rangers stationed throughout the statue itself, new handrails and a trained medical technician on site.

Already a symbol of hope and strength, many visitors see the reopening of the crown as a symbol of America's resiliency.

"I think it had to happen. [Sept. 11] was a terrible tragedy, but getting this reopened shows our experience and rejuvenation," said tourist Steve Sardinia Jr., who was visiting from Long Island, N.Y.. "I think it shows the ability of America to come back."