USS New York

Today is Veteran's Day, and I decided to visit the USS New York, a navy ship that was built with steel from the rubble of the World Trade Center (WTC). When I had originally heard that the ship was built from the WTC steel, I had felt a deep sense of sadness, and thought that when I would see the ship, it would bring back those horrifying memories of 9/11 I wish I could forget, but never will. I had been at the WTC on that day eight years ago, and when you experience something so shocking and terrifying in your life firsthand, I don't think you can ever erase it from your mind.

However, when I arrived, and saw the positive energy of the people, and then laid eyes on the ship for the first time, I realized that the ship represents something positive, as had been the intention - a symbol of healing and strength. Below are a few pictures I wanted to share.

-> My first view of the USS New York

-> A closer view of the USS New York

-> Entrance of the USS New York

-> Once inside the USS New York, one was able to view the many military vehicles and machinery on display on the ground floor. This one is called Assault Amphibian Vehicle (AAV). There is a guy from the military sitting on the AAV.

-> Inside view of the front of the AAV

-> Military standing inside the USS New York - the ship sets sail tomorrow, Nov 12 2009 from Pier 88 (New York).

-> This is the symbol of the USS New York. I wanted to know what the symbol means, and looked it up. Here's the description, from the official website:

- Seven rays of sunlight signify the crown atop the Statue of Liberty and the seven seas.

- Central focus placed on the Twin Towers and the bow of the ship, forged from Twin Towers steel.

- Breastplate of the phoenix bears the colors of first responders from the New York Police Department, New York Fire Department, and Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

- Blood drops represent the fallen.

- Three stars for those earned by the battleship USS New York (BB34) in World War II at Iwo Jima, Okinowa and North Africa.