This monument was a gift from the people of France to the United States to commemorate their alliance during the American Revolution that took place from 1775 to 1783. The Statue of Liberty, also called Liberty Enlightening the World, is regarded as a universal embodiment of freedom and democracy. She holds a torch above her head as a symbol of enlightenment, showing the path to freedom, while holding with her left hand the tablet of law, on which is written in roman numerals the date of the American Independence: July 4, 1776. As the immigrants were arriving in America and debarked from the boats to a nearby station on Ellis Island, over 12 million of newcomers were welcomed to their new land by the tall lady and her flamboyant torch throughout the years. Nowadays, the statue of liberty receives over 4 million visitors per year, cementing its place as one of the most iconic landmarks in the world.