The USS New York

The USS New York

The United States Marine Memorial, Washington DC

Saturday, March 2, 2008 must have been terrifying and reached deep down into the beast that attacked America, as a vision appeared on the horizon. The Twin-Towers like the Phoenix rose out of the ashes, the manifestation of all its flesh and steel becoming the physical and spiritual soul of the USS New York; the birth of this ship was complete by being christened on this day. The bow was built out of steel from the fallen towers, like a sword tempered for battle, can in turn strike back at its attackers.

History must be remembered to be a lesson from which to learn from. The attack on Pearl Harbor that changed America forever was the turning point to our survival. The alternative is not even thinkable. Even during World War Two there were political foes, critics, and those in power who did not want to get into the fray. If we did not, America would not be America on this night I assure you.

Once again we were attacked without warning, and for only being who we are again. You, and all who fight with you from our ally countries are again fighting to save our country and our way of life. Sure, there are again political foes, critics, and those in power who did not want to get into the fray, but you know better as do we. What you do no matter what you may see in the media is so very crucial and important for your country, for your children’s future, and for your buddies who stand behind you right now!

I try and keep political opine out of my column as much as possible, but on this day with the USS New York standing so proudly, filled with a few thousand American souls, I felt compelled to not only report the christening, but also to let you know that you are America. I salute you.

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The weather has been anything but routine back here in western Pennsylvania. We have been a party to twice the normal snowfall in February. The temperature swings have been egregious to the sensibilities of an old man, but a playground for the young. Spring is closing in on us, and I will keep you informed on all the expected celebrations. The year being the 250th anniversary of Pittsburgh will bear all kinds of special events for me to report on all year long. Hopefully, some of you western PA boys will make it home to enjoy some of the events in person.

Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania