Olaf Holen (Ames, Iowa)

Dear Lady:

I first saw you on the evening of May 4, 1909, from the deck of the Immigrant Ship that brought me from Norway. I was wondering, as I looked at you and the lights in all directions, “What is going to happen to me in this vast, new land of America?” But you gave me courage as I saw you standing there, with the Torch in your hand pointing Heavenward, and telling me as you have told millions of others:  “You are welcome to this New Land-I’ll give you an opportunity to work and get ahead and make a good life for yourself.” You kept your word.

May you still stand there welcoming pilgrims from foreign lands, who come to find Freedom and Justice in this great land.  America is still the best in the whole World.

From a grateful,

Naturalized Citizen, 
Olaf Holen
(Ames, Iowa)