Statue of Liberty
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- Written by Marianne Tromp
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Many years ago, the Student Body Cabinet of the University of Wisconsin decided it was time to bring the Statue of Liberty to Madison so that Midwesterners could experience her majesty. Much effort was taken to fly her the 1000 miles from New York City. It was determined that she would best be transported by helicopter.
Cables were strategically placed around the statue and attached to the helicopter. The flight went well. The day picked for the trip was clear and calm; perfect for transporting such a large statue. Many people on the ground watched and cheered as the Statue of Liberty flew overhead. It was an awesome sight.
Unbeknownst to the pilot, the cable was not able to handle the weight of the statue, and as the helicoptor neared Madison, the cable started to unravel. Someone with a keen eye in Milwaukee noticed the fraying of the cable. This was before cell phones and wireless internet. So the individual had to drive home in order to make a phone call. But who to call? He contacted the Milwaukee Sentinal, hoping that the newspaper would have a clue as to whom to contact. Still, it was too late.
Unfortunately, the pilot did not know that there was anything wrong until the cable broke. The helicopter went high into the air when it lost its heavy load. After the pilot regained control he saw that the statue had fallen through ice-covered Lake Mendota. Instead of standing beside Abe Lincoln on Bascom Hill, she was up to her eye-balls in the icy water.
It turned out to be a convenient place for visitors to come and see the Statue of Liberty. She was close to shore near the UW-Madison Student Union; the Memorial Union as it is called. In February the lake has a solid covering of ice, so thick that cars can drive on it. Many people came during that winter so say "Hi" to the Statue of Liberty.
When the spring thaw came, the helicopter, with stronger cables, came and transported the Statue of Liberty back to New York City. I'm sorry to say that she hasn't travelled since then. I'm sure that she enjoyed the outing to the Midwest and remembers it fondly.