Trophies and awards have a long history dating back to ancient Greece and Rome, where trophies were made from captured weapons and armor from victorious battles. Over time, trophies evolved into ornate cups and statues that were awarded to winners of sporting events and competitions. Today, mass-produced plastic trophies have become more common, though specialized firms still create custom crystal, glass, and metal trophies. The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France to the United States and took over a decade to complete due to funding challenges, but it has become a globally recognized symbol of friendship and freedom.