By PETER BOSCH

When you think of America, especially on July Fourth, that incredible date 250 years ago in 1776 — when the signing of the Declaration of Independence began in Philadelphia — relives itself full blown. We, as one people, stood up and declared ourselves to be a free and independent nation no longer under the tyrannical rule of King George III of England.

For many of us, our thoughts turn today to the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor. This great lady not only watches over us, she reminds us every day of what freedom is and how we should never lose it.

For a refresher in high school history, she was bestowed upon us by France on July 4, 1884. The designer of the statue was Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi (the statue has the occasional nickname “Bartholdi’s Daughter”). Gustave Eiffel engineered the interior construction, and the base upon which it rests was designed by American architect Richard Morris. (The base was paid for by donations from the people of the United States via a special fund set up by Joseph Pulitzer through his newspaper, The New York World.)

The Statue of Liberty’s torch was installed in Manhattan’s Madison Square Park, from 1876 through 1882, to raise funds for the statue’s completion.

Here at 13th Dimension, we’re going to observe Lady Liberty’s special day with 13 COVERS featuring the statue (formally called Liberty Enlightening the World, from the French “La Liberté éclairant le mondeis”). A special note: You will not find here Kamandi #1 nor any cover that shows her being destroyed. To paraphrase Marc Anthony, “I come to praise our Lady of Freedom, not to bury her.” (However, on these covers, plenty of battles are being fought on her behalf, as you will see. You should always fight for a lady.)

Liberty, the Spirit of 1776, as we enjoy it in our country, is precious — and fragile. It is to be treasured, loved, and protected — not just on July Fourth, but every single day.

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