ABC News anchor David Muir reached the torch of the Statue of Liberty, more than 300 feet above the ground, as part of ABC News' extensive coverage commemorating America's 250th anniversary.
The multi-platform programming event, titled "Disney Celebrates America," began on July 3 and will continue through July 4, spanning across ABC, Disney+, Hulu, ESPN, National Geographic, FX, Freeform, and ABC News Live. The coverage includes reports from all 50 states, led by Muir.
During his ascent within the iconic statue, Muir spoke with National Park Service historian Matt Housch. They discussed the statue's construction, including its thin copper exterior, the intricate rivets holding it together, and the green patina it has acquired over time. Housch noted that sculptor Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi designed the statue to be visible from the moment arriving ships entered New York Harbor, a vision that also welcomed millions of immigrants.
The Statue of Liberty, a gift from France inaugurated in 1886, served as a beacon for over 12 million immigrants who arrived between 1892 and 1954, coinciding with Ellis Island's operation as an immigration center. It is estimated that approximately 40% of Americans can trace their ancestry through Ellis Island, according to the National Park Service.
Muir also met Tony Soraci, whose grandfather was one of the workers involved in a major restoration project of the Statue of Liberty in the 1980s. The original torch, too damaged to restore after a century of exposure, was replaced with an exact replica. Muir and Soraci viewed the original torch in the Liberty Island museum.
During his journey to the torch, Muir also spoke with Captain Hamilton Clancy, who grew up with the statue as a prominent landmark, his grandfather having served as superintendent of Liberty Island. Clancy reflected on the courage of immigrants who saw the statue as a symbol of hope for a new life in America.
From the torch, Muir observed the panoramic view of New York Harbor, emphasizing the emotional significance for immigrants arriving in the United States. He noted the statue's design, which allows for movement in the wind, a deliberate feature to withstand harsh weather conditions. The Statue of Liberty, a symbol of freedom and opportunity, continues to welcome approximately 3.8 million visitors annually.