Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...November 2, 2009
Today is a day I will never forget. The Morris Township Fire Department was invited to participate in the USS New York LPD-21ceremony at the Jersey City waterfront. The USS New York stopped at the World Trade Center site to dip her US flag in honor of the people that died that day. There was a barely audible 21 gun salute to the families of the September 11, 2001 victims. But that wasn't the highlight of the morning. The highlight was seeing the massive ship stop directly in front of where the towers were with the crowd remaining silent and saluting.

All the time the USS New York passed our site helicopters were flying overhead. It added an eery feeling to the ceremony. I heard a few people voicing a question, "If there was as much patrolling of the skies and waters around Manhattan that day would the planes have been interceded?" I guess no one can answer that question for sure.

All along the shore on the New Jersey and Manhattan side, there were firefighters, police officers, and EMS workers. It was a site like no other. I captured just some of the New Jersey participants in some of these photos.

Although I was not a member of the fire department on September 11, 2001, I shared the pride my fellow firefighters showed today. It was amazing to be part of history. I read that 13% of the crew of the USS New York is made up of New York State residents. As a bona fide New York, I loved hearing that.

Part of the bow of the USS New York was made with the steel recovered from the World Trade Center. The purpose is to honor the victims of September 11th. Their memory will long live in the thoughts of the crew of the USS New York, as well as the people in the places the ship visits.

I hope you enjoy the pictures I took today.

More photos posted on Facebook.

Denise M. Broesler
NJ Rookie Firefighter