News

The crown of the Statue of Liberty in New York''s was open to the public on Saturday, for the first time since September 11, 2001.

The opening was part of the city''s Fourth of July events.

The tourist attraction shut down for three years after the attacks on the twin towers.

Visitors were then only been allowed up to the "pedestal" level, at the base of the statue, as a security measure.

On Saturday, tourists were again able to walk the narrow, spiral staircase to the top.

"By allowing this freedom to be on display again after such a fearsome terrible moment in our nation''s history is really inspiring," tourist Jeff McHugh said.

Park rangers say the trip up Lady Liberty can get hot.

"She''s like 20 degrees hotter inside than she is from the outside," says park guide Ebony Wright. "Just because it''s 75 or 60 (F) outside doesn''t mean she''s 75 or 60 inside."

The statue has an elevator, but officials say that''s for emergencies.

Only 30 people per hour will be allowed to see the view from the crown, and security cameras will track their movements.

Tickets are already sold out through next winter.