New York:
The Statue of Liberty will finally welcome visitors again, months after Superstorm Sandy swamped her little island.
Sandy made landfall one day after the statue's 126th birthday. The storm flooded most of Liberty Island in New York Harbor. Lady Liberty herself was spared, but the surrounding grounds took a beating.
Railings broke, docks and paving stones were torn up and buildings were flooded. The storm destroyed boilers, sewage pumps and electrical systems.
In recent months, all mechanical equipment was moved to higher ground as workers put the island back in order.
The national landmark welcomes about 3.5 million visitors every year. It will reopen to tourists on Thursday, which is Independence Day.
People who purchased tickets in advance can also look out over the harbor from the statue's crown.