"Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness." Each emotional word is synonymous with the lovely Lady Liberty. Liberty Enlightening the World has stood as a symbol of freedom, perseverance, and friendship for more than 100 years. A gift from the French people, the statue was an active aid to navigation for 17 years under the U.S. Lighthouse Board. Lightkeepers lived on the island to maintain the electric light which could be seen through windows in the torch atop Liberty's outstretched arm.