Quote:
Originally Posted by skwinty
USS New York
She was built with 24 tons of scrap steel from the World Trade Center.
She is the fifth in a new class of warship -- designed for missions that include special operations against terrorists. She will carry a crew of 360 sailors and 700 combat-ready Marines to be delivered ashore by helicopters and assault craft.
Steel from the World Trade Center was melted down in a foundry in Amite, LA to cast the ship's bow section. When it was poured into the molds on Sept. 9, 2003, "those big rough steelworkers treated it with total reverence," recalled Navy Capt. Kevin Wensing, who was there. "It was a spiritual moment for everybody there."
Junior Chavers, foundry operations manager, said that when the trade center steel first arrived, he touched it with his hand and the "hair on my neck stood up." "It had a big meaning to it for all of us," he said. "They knocked us down. They can't keep us down. We're going to be back."
The ship's motto? - "Never Forget"
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Hi skwinty - now I know you gave up being a JW years ago; is this article you've posted a hint that you've joined the "bash 'em for god" brigade?
Seriously though, as appalled and smitten as any right (but not as in "far") thinking person should have been by that event, along with many others throughout the world that sadly are often far worse, aimless and prevalent; doesn't it ring just a little bizarre to create warships out of the remains of such terrible carnage and tragedy?
Nothing much there about "turning swords into ploughshares" from a nation that exhibits such a pre-occupation with "religion" - purportedly of the Christian ethos; but I suppose symbolism and political posturing for (somewhat superficial) predominantly home consumption are the main criteria therein.
A real pity that something truly courageous and constructive couldn't have been seen as more fitting: mindsets that knee-jerk these types of responses are a part of the whole darn problem, aren't they?
Warships hunting down terrorists; it has a faintly ludicrous ring to it for me: my two-bob's worth and not a penny more from me.