Answer:
An important event in the author’s life
Step-by-step explanation:
The main area of influence in this excerpt is the author’s family and friends. This excerpt describes how the author and family came to the United States. Their coming was very emotional, especially for the author. Throw the author's perspective the reader can notice a description of Lady Liberty and their first step to a new life in the United States. Coming to the new land is noticed in joy and happiness in Mama’s face.
The signs of the important event are shown in moving, crossing the harbor to the city and metaphorical description of Lady Liberty. This is shown emotionally, the reader can notice in the author’s enthusiasm and the other reaction when they came to the United States.