Wilmington celebrates 75th anniversary of Statue of Liberty replica

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WWAY) — Lady Liberty celebrated a birthday in Wilmington this weekend as community members gathered for a special celebration at Innes Park next to Thalian Hall.

Wilmington is home to the only known replica of the Statue of Liberty in North Carolina.

In 1951, the Boy Scouts launched a program called “Strengthen the Arm of Liberty,” which placed replicas of the Statue of Liberty in cities and towns across the country.

This weekend marked the 75th anniversary of the dedication of Wilmington’s statue and the 140th anniversary of the dedication of the original Statue of Liberty.

Lynne Ashcraft, with the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, said while many people may pass by Wilmington’s statue without noticing it, the monument provides an opportunity to reflect on the freedoms it represents.

“Despite the fact that we are in North Carolina and the Statue of Liberty is in New York, we enjoy the same freedoms and the same liberties that were earned for us by our patriots during the American Revolution,” Ashcraft said.

The anniversary program featured the Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard, community speakers and music from UNCW’s all-women a cappella group.