SAVING LADY LIBERTY
On May 28th, 1950 the Statue of Liberty replica
was dedicated on Mackinac Island. This
replica was 1 of 200 placed in 39 states around the country. The idea of Boys Scouts of America in Kansas
City, Jack Whitaker, Scout Commissioner at the time, called the crusade to
“Strengthen the Arm of Liberty”. No one knows
why the Island was chosen, although speculation is because of the work the
Scouts performed at Fort Mackinac.
For 62 years Lady Liberty has stood tall in the high winds,
rain, deep snows, and all of Mother Nature’s fury, the weather has taken its
toll. Her seams are cracking, the spikes
on her crown have worn off, her color has faded, and she has suffered dings and
dents over the years.
As part of the Mackinac Island community and as an
Americanism project for the Post we decided to help bring back the glory of the
islands Lady Liberty. The project is
well on its way; she has been carefully removed from the island and sent to the
city of Detroit for restoration. Upon
her return in 2013, when our fund raising efforts have been completed we wish
to move the statue to a more prominent location on the island for all to see.
The Statue of Liberty in New York harbor is the symbol of
freedom and opportunity. Immigrants who
came from the “Old World” saw the torch as a light to a new world, a new
life. Doughboys of WW1 and service
members from WWII returning from Europe on ships say it as being home. Seeing images of Lady Liberty reminds us of
“Freedom and Opportunity” and promotes 100% Americanism.
We are in the process of raising $61,000 for the project and
would ask if you would donate to help in this endeavor. Please
send your donation to American Legion Post 299, PO Box 1518, Mackinac Island,
MI 49757, Attn: Liberty Project
The American Legion Department of Michigan represents over 70,000 members in the State of Michigan. The American Legion was founded in 1919, based on “The Four Pillars”; veteran rehabilitation, Americanism, child welfare, and national security and continued above all its mission as a consumers’ advocate for veterans. For more information contact the Michigan Legion at 517-371-4720 ext 16, mark@michiganlegion.org, or visit our website at www.michiganlegion.org.
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