NEW YORK – Lady Liberty is getting a high-tech uplift for her 125th birthday: Internet-connected cameras on her torch that will let viewers gaze out at New York Harbor or see visitors on the grounds below.
The "lighting" of the so-called torch cams was one of many events planned for Friday's ceremony commemorating the Statue of Liberty's dedication on Oct 28, 1886.
The four webcams went live Friday morning within the flame on the statue; they offer views of Ellis and Governor's Island, Liberty Island and the Freedom Tower.
The ceremony caps a week of events centered around the historic date, including the debut of a major museum exhibition about poet Emma Lazarus, who helped bring the monument renown as the "Mother of Exiles."
The day was also marked by a naturalization ceremony, water flotilla and a spectacular 12-minute Macy's Fireworks display choreographed to patriotic music. A total of 125 immigrants from 46 countries were sworn in as United States citizens at the ceremony.
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar told the new Americans on Friday that diversity strengthens the nation.
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