Liberation (Holocaust memorial) facts for kids
Official U.S. Dept. of Defense DRVH Guide, showing memorial on cover
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| Coordinates | 40°41′34″N 74°03′21″W / 40.6927°N 74.0558°W |
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| Location | Liberty State Park, New Jersey |
| Designer | Nathan Rapoport |
| Material | Bronze |
| Height | 15 ft (4.6 m) |
| Completion date | 1985 |
| Opening date | May 30, 1985 |
Liberation is a powerful bronze statue located in Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey. It was created by the famous sculptor Nathan Rapoport. This important monument was officially opened on May 30, 1985.
The statue shows an American soldier bravely carrying a person who survived the Holocaust out of a Nazi concentration camp. It stands as a reminder of freedom and hope.
The Liberation Monument: A Symbol of Hope
This special sculpture was asked for by the State of New Jersey. Many groups of veterans also helped make it happen. It was placed in a very important spot. It faces the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. This creates a "special group of symbols" that includes Liberation, Liberty Island, and Ellis Island.
One expert says that putting the monument here helps us remember the Holocaust. It shows how different the Holocaust was from America's ideas of freedom and equality. It's like how the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. reminds us of these values.
The monument is about 15 feet tall, which is like a two-story building. It weighs about two tons, which is very heavy! It reminds us of America's role in freeing people from the camps. It also shows how America became a safe home for many survivors. The Liberty Park Monument Committee helped raise money for the statue. Their goal was to honor American soldiers who freed people who were suffering.
The official statement when the monument was opened said something important. It noted that American soldiers fought not to conquer, but to rescue. They wanted to bring back freedom to those who were hurt by cruel powers.
Honoring Heroes: The DOD Guide
The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) has a special guide. It helps people remember the victims of the Holocaust. This guide features a photo of the Liberation monument on its cover. Inside, it explains the monument's powerful message.
The guide says that Nathan Rapoport wanted to show hope winning over sadness. The statue shows an American soldier carrying a survivor. Their chests are close, as if they share one heart. The way the soldier holds the survivor shows comfort and trust.
Liberation honors the Americans who freed the camps. It also remembers those who died. But it's also a symbol of the strong helping the weak. It shows one person supporting another. It celebrates America's best dreams: freedom, kindness, bravery, and most of all, hope.
On April 10, 1988, a copy of this DOD Guide was given to Governor Thomas H. Kean. This happened during a special ceremony at the monument. Rabbi Arnold E. Resnicoff, a U.S. Navy chaplain, spoke at the event. He also presented the guide. Another copy was given to General Francis Gerard. He was a veteran of World War II and a commander in New Jersey's Department of Defense.
