Lady Liberty of Los Angeles

Not many people are aware that Los Angeles has its own Statue of Liberty. Regardless of how one feels about immigration reform, I think it is most appropriate that the statue is located in downtown where the large Hispanic population of L.A. works and shops everyday.

When I was a little boy, I used to stay up all night watching t.v. when there was no school the next day. Just before the t.v. station went off the air, it used to end its broadcast each night by playing Ray Charles singing "America the Beautiful". People tend to associate America with red, white, and blue and apple pie. I think Ray Charles should be included on that list. I couldn't think of many other artists who is as soulful as brother Ray. One of my regrets is to not have seen him perform while he was alive. If you've forgotten how special he is, you can watch his performance here.

Facts:

The original name of the 'Statue of Liberty' is Liberty Enlightening the World.

The 7-point spiked crown represents the seven continents or the seven seas.

Lady Liberty holds a torch high over her head with the right hand and holds a tablet close to her body in her left hand.

The tablet contains the text "July IV MDCCLXXVI", which commemorates the independence day of The United States of America on July 4, 1776.