SUN EDITORIAL:

The spirit of America

Ship made with steel from twin towers is a reminder of the country’s strength

Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009 | 2:05 a.m.

The Navy’s newest ship made its first visit to New York City on Monday in what was a moving tribute. The ship, scheduled to be officially commissioned the USS New York today, stopped in the Hudson River, adjacent to ground zero, and fired a 21-gun salute. Sailors and Marines, some in tears, lined the decks and silently saluted.

The ship is a testimony to Americans’ steadfast resolve after the 9/11 attacks. Its bow includes 7.5 tons of steel recycled from the twin towers. The ship’s crew has a large contingent of New Yorkers, including the captain, who volunteered for the assignment. Its motto is: Never forget.

Police, firefighters and families of those who died in the 9/11 attacks, along with thousands of others on both sides of the river, welcomed the ship as it made its way to a Midtown Manhattan dock for two weeks of celebrations.

The New York is an amphibious assault ship designed to carry Marines and their equipment into battle. It also is equipped to respond in humanitarian relief efforts. Its medical facilities include an intensive care unit, and its storage areas can temporarily shelter refugees.

The dual mission says much about the country that built it. The United States continues to stand firm against terrorism, but it also acknowledges a responsibility to help those in need.

Neil Keating, the harbor pilot who guided the New York into its Midtown Manhattan berth, was chosen for the honor because his brother, a firefighter, died responding to the attacks. Keating told the New York Post that the use of the steel in the bow was fitting.

“That’s where the ship takes a pounding and keeps trudging forward through rough seas,” Keating said.

The ship is a testimony to the true spirit of America, which keeps pushing the country forward no matter what adversity it faces.

Discussion: 2 comments so far…

Comments are moderated by Las Vegas Sun editors. Our goal is not to limit the discussion, but rather to elevate it. Comments should be relevant and contain no abusive language. Comments that are off-topic, vulgar, profane or include personal attacks will be removed. Full comments policy.

By fremmasmind

Nov. 7, 2009

5:17 a.m.

Suggest removal

Ship made with steel from Twin Towers is a reminder that no investigation by any law enforcement agency has taken place covering the events before, during and after 9/11.
By KillerB

Nov. 7, 2009

9:37 a.m.

Suggest removal

Sun -- forget the flag-waving, this ship is only a reminder of America's resolve to recycle.

The America you celebrate here is long dead. Now it's only a bloated police state wearing the mask of the former republic, corrupted from top to bottom with officials and law enforcers who perjure their oaths daily, and a People who would rather act like livestock than citizens.

For perspective everyone needs to watch "Wag the Dog" again, while reading the Bill of Rights.