Two fire tugs sprayed water high in the air yesterday morning to welcome the first tourist ferries back to the Statue of Liberty since September 11th.
The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, the primary point of entry to the US from 1892 to 1924, were closed because of their proximity to ground zero in lower Manhattan and to lessen the chance of attack.
While visitors will be readmitted to the Ellis Island Museum, the interior of the Statue of Liberty will stay closed until some time next year.
A gigantic American flag, visible for many miles, was hoisted on Liberty Island, the island on which the statue stands, to mark the return of visitors to one of the most popular tourist destinations in New York.
Meanwhile the fires deep in the rubble of the World Trade Centre have been practically put out after burning for 100 days. A fire engine remains on duty and small hot spots are still being discovered as the search for human remains continues, but fire battalion chief Mr Brian Dixon said the main bodies of fire have been extinguished. Most of the site is now a deep pit and the acrid smell that plagued surrounding streets is largely gone.
The official count of people missing or killed in the World Trade Centre attacks has fallen below 3,000. Once put as high as 6,750, it now stands at 2,992, including those on the ground and aboard the two hijacked planes.
Recent research shows that almost all the civilian casualties were above the point of impact of the planes on the twin towers.