Ship symbolizes America's enduring spirit

It must have been a stirring sight to watch the Navy assault ship USS New York arrive in New York Harbor Monday.

The $1 billion vessel, escorted by two dozen tugboats and other vessels, contains 7.5 tons of steel from the fallen towers of the World Trade Center. As it arrived in the city Monday morning, first responders and families of 9-11 victims were among the crowd that watched.

When the vessel neared the site of the 2001 terrorist attack, it paused and delivered a 21-gun salute.

It is appropriate that about 13 percent of the 361 sailors serving aboard the ship are from New York state. The 684-foot-long vessel, which featured the crew standing at attention during the salute, was named to honor the city, the state and those who perished in the attacks.

Other Navy vessels have been named with 9-11 in mind, the Associated Press notes. The USS Arlington recognizes the attack on the Pentagon, the USS Somerset the Pennsylvania county where United Airlines Flight 93 went down on that tragic day.

The ships are a reminder that America does not forget those who lost their lives to terrorists that day.

Rosaleen Tallon, who lost her brother, Sean, a firefighter, in the 9-11 attack, said of the USS New York: "It's a transformation ... from something really twisted and ugly. I'm proud that our military is using that steel."

It is a sign that America endures and will prevail over terrorism.