A Tale of Two Cities

With apologies to Charles Dickens, today's title refers not to his connection between London and Paris, but to the bond between two modern American cities, each of which have experienced untold tragedy. When terrorists struck New York's Twin Towers in 2001, the city of New Orleans responded by sending numerous gifts and personnel to the scene. One group provided meal wagons filled with Cajun and Creole goodies for the recovery workers who toiled for months following September 11. One of the most remarkable gifts was a fire engine constructed in Louisiana and presented as a remembrance for the fallen firefighters who had perished and as a replacement for one of the engines lost when the buildings collapsed. The City of New York returned the favor and that engine following the destruction resulting from Hurricane Katrina as a gesture of thanks. So, the two cities have enjoyed close ties in recent times. Yesterday that connection was made even closer when the Navy christened its newest amphibious vessel, the massive USS New York, officially known as New York (LPD 21) at nearby Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding headquarters in Avondale, Louisiana. What makes this vessel ever more speciai is its bow, which was constructed out of 7.5 tons of steel collected from the rubble of the Twin Towers site and sent to New Orleans. It bears the admonition in a massive gold ribbon 'NEVER FORGET." A crowd estimated at 4,000 watched as the massive warship that stands ten stories tall and covers a length of 684 feet was offically dedicated. Members of the New York Fire Department as well as World War II veterans who had served on the previous vessel dubbed New York were also on hand to witness the christening first hand. It was a day that made New Yorkers and New Orleanians alike proud of what they had done to shore up each other and to strengthen the security of the nation with the launching of a vessel specifically designed to target terrorists. The USS New York is scheduled to be commissioned in New York harbor in September on or near the date of the seventh anniversary of 9/11.