Khang Hoang

To me, liberty is not some old stone statue locked in time from 1776. It is a living promise that calls people from far away, giving them hope for a better life. As the kid of parents who came to America after World War II, I picture it in the Statue of Liberty's torch. It is a light we must keep shining bright, not just look at from afar.

On July 4, 1984—America's 208th birthday—Lee Iacocca, a Lehigh grad and son of Italian immigrants who ran the Chrysler car company, spoke to the country. He asked everyone to give money to fix up the statue for its 100-year party in 1986. This speech shows his big idea: "We are not only patching old metal. We are bringing back the brave spirit to open our arms to tired and poor folks who want to be free." Everyday people gave cash, and it turned a worn-out symbol into a fresh sign of the American Dream—a story that is still being written.

Now, as we get close to our 250th birthday in 2026, this speech asks a tough question. In times full of arguments and walls, will we keep liberty's fire burning for the next group of dreamers? What can you do to help welcome them?

--Khang Hoang ‘26

Speeches of Lee Iacocca.
Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island - July 4th Ceremony, July 4, 1984.

Lehigh University Archives Record: https://archivesspace.lib.lehigh.edu/repositories/3/archival_objects/96842

This text has been digitized and is available through the Lehigh Preserve digital repository