Puget Sound Off: Why Seattle has a tiny Statue of Liberty at Alki

Zoom in: The statue was one of about 200 replicas the Boy Scouts of America donated nationwide between 1949 and 1952 as part of a project called "Strengthen the Arm of Liberty."

• The campaign, which recognized the Boy Scouts' 40th anniversary, was also"designed to revitalize patriotism after the end of World War II," per HistoryLink.

Flashback: Seattleites gathered by the statue after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, leaving notes, pictures, toys and flags at its base as they attempted to process the tragedy in New York.

• The initial replica, which had been damaged by wind, saltwater and acts of vandalism over the decades, was replaced by a new copy in 2007.
• A citizen committee then raised money to build and dedicate a public plaza around the statue in 2008.

While King tides occasionally swamp the plaza, it's more commonly a place for people to relax on benches and enjoy the sight of the sea.

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