She's been here so long (three years+) that some folks hardly notice her. She blends in. Seems like any other familiar feature of the landscape. So, what is she doing here in the first place, and why? Is it all silliness and folly? We prefer to think it is symbolic.
The original Stature of Liberty, a colossal neoclassical sculpture 305 feet tall, was a gift to the U.S. from France called: "Liberty Lighting the Way" an iconic representation of America's promise embodying hope and opportunity.
Just as the statue in New York Harbor communicates a universal "Welcome" to the many varied peoples arriving in this country by sea, our little replica on Main Street might be seen as a symbol of welcome here on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.
OK. We know that's not why the statue is in Exmore but think about the Town's diversity. It's inclusiveness and genuine hospitality to everyone. Everyone.
For a community of just over 1,300 people, Exmore is a mosaic of cultures. In our neighborhoods, on the playground in the Park and in our shops, you'll see a rich mix of ethnicities.
Now, the real reason the statue is lifting her lamp high along Main Street is simple and sweet. Jason, the owner of the Western Auto store, put Lady Liberty on his property as a gift for his nine-year old son.
And yet............
If you take a close look at the statue's feet, you'll see that she's not standing still. She's on the go. Symbolic of leading the way. Yep! That's Exmore, our little Town, moving forward and shining a light for others to follow.