SCHUMER: NAVY HAS AGREED TO ANCHOR USS NEW YORK OFF MANHATTAN FOR 9/11 TENTH ANNIVERSARY CEREMONY
August 24th, 2011
In Mid-July, Schumer Personally Lobbied Navy Secretary Ray Mabus to Send the USS New York to the 10th Anniversary Commemoration; Ship Will Port in New York City in Lead up to Ceremony
The USS New York is Constructed with Seven and a Half Tons of Steel from the World Trade Center; The Ship’s Motto is “Never Forget”
Schumer: The U.S.S. New York’s Presence on the 10th Anniversary of the Attacks Will be a Solemn Tribute to the Memories of Those We Lost
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced today that the United States Navy has agreed to anchor the USS New York off lower Manhattan to join the 10th anniversary ceremonies of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. In a personal letter to Secretary Ray Mabus in July, Schumer urged that the Navy return the USS New York to her namesake for the commemoration, as its presence in New York Harbor would be of incredible significance to those who lost loved ones in the attacks. After weeks of negotiation, Schumer today announced the ship will anchor off Manhattan to provide a backdrop for the day’s services, and will port for several days at a New York pier before the ceremony.
“It just didn’t make sense for this powerful and awesome demonstration of American strength, born out of the rubble of 9/11, not to be present for the 10th anniversary ceremonies,” said Schumer. “Over seven tons of steel from the World Trade Center were used to construct this ship and its return home makes good on its motto, ‘Never Forget’.”
The USS New York is a U.S. Navy amphibious transport ship built using steel from the site of the World Trade Center in New York City. Schumer noted that the attendance of the USS New York’s crew would also play an incredibly important and symbolic role in the September 11th anniversary ceremony, as these brave individuals fight to combat terrorism and defend the United States’ freedom each day.
The USS New York LPD-21 was commissioned on November 7, 2009, and is the fifth amphibious transport dock of the San Antonio class. The ship was named New York after the state and incorporates in its construction steel salvaged from the World Trade Centers. The ship wasbuilt with 7.5 tons of steel from the World Trade Center in her bow. Her ship motto is “Never Forget.” Schumer noted that the steel from the WTC towers, now in the form of the USS New York, is now fittingly being used to combat terrorism and defend the United States’ freedom.
A number of events are planned in the city on September 11, 2011, and calls for the ship’s presence had been echoed by a range of area groups, including 9/11 survivors and the FDNY Uniformed Firefighters Association.
A copy of Senator Schumer’s July letter to Navy Secretary Ray Mabus appears below:
Dear Secretary Mabus:
As New Yorkers and the nation prepare to observe the tenth anniversary of the atrocious acts of September 11, 2001, I urge that the Navy bring the USS New York to her namesake city to participate in the commemoration of that anniversary. This day will have great significance for those who lost loved ones at the Twin Towers, and it would be so fitting for them to be joined by the ship forged with steel from those towers.
New Yorkers are incredibly proud of our Navy, and we deeply recognize the great accomplishments and sacrifices which our service members have made in the last decade. The naming of the USS New York was a fitting recognition of both the loss which occurred in New York on 9/11, and of the city’s great resiliency and resolve in response to that event. My fellow New Yorkers and I would be deeply moved to share the anniversary of 9/11 in the company of the Sailors and Marines who serve aboard that great ship. I also invite and encourage you to participate in the events planned in New York for that day.
All New Yorkers understand as well as anyone that the Navy fleet is fully employed with a critical national security mission. Given that, having the USS New York participate in the 9/11 anniversary ceremony would mean a great deal to them, and especially to the families of those who lost their lives in that tragic event which irrevocably changed our national security stance almost ten years ago. I urge you to consider this request, and to come to New York yourself to take part in the solemn ceremonies marking the anniversary of that event.
Tags: 10th anniversary, 11th anniversary, american strength, amphibious transport, anniversary ceremony, anniversary commemoration, charles e schumer, lower manhattan, News, ray mabus, september 11 2001, september 11 2001 terrorist attacks, symbolic role, tons of steel, transport ship, u s navy, united states navy, using steel, USS New York LPD-21
