When the people of France presented the Statue of Liberty to Americans nearly a eentury ago, United States citizens raised $250,000 to build the pedestal for the statue on Llberty Island in New York Harbor. Of the $101,091 collected in one phase of the appeal, K) percent came in amoimts of less than a dollar. In other words there was broad participation by the children and the “rank and file” in that fund drive of the 18&l’s. Every American has an opportunity now, in this generation, to help keep the torch of freedom burning in the raised hand 0 the 151foot Miss liberty figure. Both the statue and the nearby Ellis lsland, once-famous gateway of immigrants, have deteriorated to an alarming nate of disrepair. The Statue of LibertyEllis Island Centennial Commiuion Campaign to raise $230 million to preserve and refurbish otli national monuments is now at the oneEfth mark, with a long walylto go. e goal is to have the “gallant lady” restored to her former health and resplendence for her Centennial in 19%. The same for the key historic buildings on Ellis Island whose centennial will be in 19%. Lee A. lacocca, chairman of the Centennial Commission, reports fund-raising progress is strong. “We see in the very eartfelt responses aractly what we had hoped – a reaffirmation of the ideals of liberty and a salute to our great and diverse immigrant heritage.” Generous support is coming from corporate givers as well as from civic and fraternal groups, ethnic organizations, and individual donors. “School children have been among the most active participants, well before the school campaigns official start in February 198A,” said lacocca. “They have begun hundreds of creative classroom and school projects and have already donated many thousands of dollars in pennies, dimes, and gparters just as children ‘d in the 19th Century to raise money for the statue’s pedestal.” The o le of France gave tlpi: gatue of Liberty to Americans to commemorate the alliance of the two nations during the Revolutionary War. The monument hx been described as “the greatest artistic colossus of all time” and ”a symbol of freedom to oppressed people everywhere.” It is proper that both the statue and Ellis Island be restored to prime condition and that the funds come from private sources. The Centennial Commission deserves the support of every American in the project. Qieries and contributions may be san to The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, Inc., P.0. Box 1906, New York, N.Y., 10018.