Liberty Weekend

Liberty Weekend was a four-day celebration of the one hundredth anniversary of the Statue of Liberty and its recently completed restoration. Coverage, which aired on ABC, was hosted by Peter Jennings and Barbara Walters.

Elizabeth appeared during the “Closing Ceremonies” on July 6, 1986. She strode across the stage at Giants Stadium to rapturous applause and delivered the following remarks from the podium:

“Remember, rejoice, renew. This is the theme of tonight’s presentation, and this is the time to rejoice. We rejoice that we are living in the land of opportunity, and that America imposes no restrictions on free expressions and creativity. We rejoice that America has always given its artists an atmosphere in which to grow, to flourish, and to dare to be daring. We rejoice that these artists always had a place to display their talents, and an audience to appreciate their efforts. Tonight, some of these artists will have a chance to say thank you in a way they know best, through their music.”

She then introduced the five-hundred member Salute of Liberty All-American Marching Band.

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