CITIZENS ENCOURAGED TO LINE THE LEVEES IN SPECIAL SEND-OFF FOR

USS NEW YORK – LPD 21

Ship Incorporates Nearly Eight Tons of Steel Salvaged from World Trade Center Towers in Honor of Victims of 9/11

NEW ORLEANS – The Greater New Orleans Executives Association (GNOEA) is encouraging citizens to “Line the Levees,” Tuesday, Oct. 13 to salute the USS New York – LPD 21 as it sails from Avondale, through Jefferson and Orleans Parish and past downtown New Orleans between 7:30 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. Residents of metro New Orleans are encouraged to line the East and West Banks of the Mississippi River.

The ship will travel to New York City for a week-long commissioning ceremony scheduled for Nov. 7.

The USS New York – LPD 21, constructed at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding in Avondale was named in honor of the victims of 9/11. It incorporates in its construction nearly 8 tons of steel salvaged from the fallen World Trade Center towers. The ship’s motto is “Strength forged through sacrifice. Never Forget.”

Lola Lass, President of GNOEA, said her group suggested the send-off celebration to allow the community one final opportunity to salute the ship, its crew and the men and women who spent more than five years building it.

Video here about this project from New Orleans Local Station WDSU

http://www.wdsu.com/video/17360129/index.html