America 250: David Muir climbs up to the Statue of Liberty’s torch

ABC News anchor David Muir celebrated America’s 250th birthday by climbing to the torch of the Statue of Liberty, a symbol of hope for millions of immigrants. This event is part of ABC’s “Disney Celebrates America,” a 24-hour broadcast across multiple platforms. Muir spoke with Captain Hamilton Clancy, whose family has deep ties to Liberty Island, and Tony Soraci, who helped restore the statue in the 1980s. Muir also explored the statue’s interior with historian Matt Housch, learning about its intricate copper construction. The Statue of Liberty, a gift from France in 1886, welcomed over 12 million immigrants through Ellis Island, and today, around 40% of Americans can trace their ancestry back to those arrivals. This celebration highlights the statue’s enduring significance as a beacon of freedom and opportunity. QUESTION: How might the story of the Statue of Liberty and its connection to immigration influence your understanding of American identity today?