Statue of Liberty fest marks 125 years

For Adeniyi Rufai, the prospect of becoming a U.S. citizen in front of the Statue of Liberty, on its 125th anniversary, is nearly indescribable.

"It would be an understatement to say any particular single word. It means everything," said Rufai, 31, of Brooklyn, who came to the United States from Nigeria in 2009 and has since enlisted in the U.S. Navy.

"It lets me know that right now I am part and parcel of the United States of America. . . . I believe the United States is incomparable to other nations in terms of opportunity, freedom and justice."

Friday, Rufai will be among 125 immigrants who will become citizens on Liberty Island, the kickoff of a daylong celebration honoring the international icon.

Over the past century and a quarter, the Statue of Liberty has endured as a symbol of freedom and sanctuary to generations of new immigrants, whether sailing into New York Harbor or flying over it.

When the statue, a gift from France, was dedicated in New York Harbor on Oct. 28, 1886, the nation was still recovering from Reconstruction and the Civil War. It was welcoming waves of immigrants from Europe.

The New York State Woman Suffrage Association had to charter a boat to view the dedication from the water, since, as unaccompanied women, they were not permitted to attend.

"The United States has changed a lot -- and Liberty has been there all this while," said Barry Moreno, Liberty Park historian.

"Liberty is important because she's lasted quite long, and she's so influential as a symbol to the entire world. When she was unveiled in 1886, no one knew what her future was going to be."

Friday's commemorations will include a gift to the French government, performances and readings from, among others, Michael Feinstein, Sigourney Weaver and students from the Brooklyn High School of the Arts, and a flotilla of boats, echoing the original fleet of nearly 300 vessels that welcomed the statue 125 years ago.

The National Park Service will launch its new "torch cam," broadcasting online, round-the-clock views from Liberty's torch.

And at about 7:45 p.m., Macy's will present a 12-minute fireworks show from two barges flanking the island.

"I can only imagine it's going to be very moving and powerful," said Linus Roache, a British actor who played ADA Michael Cutter on TV's "Law & Order" and who, with his wife, will be among those becoming U.S. citizens this morning.

"I really do find this an inspiring country to be in -- we're in challenging times but what this country is founded on is very meaningful, and I just feel compelled to be a part of it."