Fourth of July News: Statue of Liberty Reopens as New York Celebrates Independence Day

New Yorkers had an even more meaningful celebration of Independence Day as the Statue of Liberty reopened on Fourth of July.

Eight months after Hurricane Sandy devastated the very symbol of national freedom for America, the state of New York celebrated the reopening of the statue as the entire country commemorated freedom with fireworks and parades.

According to CBS News, hundreds of people lined up to be among the firsts to visit the reconstructed Lady Liberty. Boats awaited visitors as the hopped aboard to the island.

"This, to us, Liberty Island, is really about a rebirth," New Yorker Heather Leykam told CBS, noting that her mother's home was also destroyed by the superstorm. "It is a sense of renewal for the city and the country. We wouldn't have missed it for the world."

Visitors were also impressed with the restoration of the 12-acre island in New York, as guests were welcomed with Independence Day décors and "star-spangled bunting," as the news site described.

"It's stunning, it's beautiful," Elizabeth Bertero from Sonoma County, California told CBS. "They did a great job rebuilding. You don't really notice that anything happened."

Gracing the reopening were special guests and political personalities, including Interior Secretary Sally Jewell. Speaking at the opening of the Statue of Liberty, Sec. Jewell honored the fallen firefighters in the Arizona wildfires by wearing a purple ribbon.

"Nineteen firefighters lost their lives in the line of duty, and we as a nation stand together," she said as she tried to hold back tears.

After Hurricane Sandy had flushed much of the area, the island where Lady Liberty stands was greatly affected. While the statue remained unharmed, railings, paving stones and buildings in the area were flooded and destroyed. Sewage, boilers and even electricity systems were damaged as well.

"It is one of the most enduring icons of America, and we pulled it off -- it's open today," Jonathan Jarvis, National Park Service Director, shared. "Welcome," he added.