Trash to Treasure: Recycling 9/11

Here is the U.S.S. New York, made from the World Trade Center.


It was built with 24 tons of scrap steel from the World Trade Center. It is the fifth in a new class of warship designed for missions that include special operations against terrorists. It 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"

Thank the Troops

As I am writing this, a brave American has probably just given his or her life to protect mine. However, their death will not be in vain. For they have done their best to not only defend our country and freedoms, but they have also protected the lives of innocent people around the world. We should be thankful. We should be thankful for the courageous men and women, sho serve our country and our cause of liberty. We should be thankful we are living in the greatest nation on earth, which has become a beacon of hope for millions of people. I will honor those who have served this country and thank them whenever I get the chance. Veterans need to know their choice of serving their country was a choice well made, and we, as a nation united, will be forever thankful of their efforts.

All I desire is for people to remember and respect those who died for our country. All I ask is when you hear the Star-Spangled Banner, stand, not because the person next to you has risen, stand up because nobody is forcing you to do so. Stand because you should be proud to be living in America, a nation that has given millions of dollars, prayers, and Americans to help other countries and asked for nothing in return, but a “thank-you.” I want you to be thankful you are living is such a nation as the United States, where you have the freedom to voice your opinion without fear of punishment. Never forget the men and women of our military who died to protect you from harm. They didn't even know you, but they gave their lives for you, the ultimate sacrifice. Today, tomorrow, and forever, be proud to be an American and honor those who have given their lives to keep our country strong. I will.

At this time of the year, our troops need to know that we support them and we are thankful for their brave efforts. Please take a moment of your time and thank a soldier for serving. You can also visit the website below, and send a "Thank You" card to a soldier overseas. It's quick, easy, and will mean a lot to our troops.

http://www.letssaythanks.com/Home1024.html

Death Numbers Down

An article by the Associated Press released on October 30th, 2007 states that the 37 deaths of U.S. troops in October has been the lowest number of deaths in any month in nearly two years. The second lowest was in March 2006. The article also states, "That would be the second consecutive drop in monthly figures, after 65 Americans died in September and 84 in August."

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21541364/

The "troop surge" strategy developed by military leaders in Iraq seems to be working as the number of troop casualties is lowering and the troops are winning more control over the region to stop attacks. The Iraq War could be turning a corner for the better. Fewer troops are dying and Iraq is becoming more stable. The time may be coming for troops to begin to withdraw from the region. We all want our troops to come home, but we also want victory in Iraq, so that Iraq becomes a stable nation that will be an ally of the U.S. Maybe when other hostile Middle Eastern countries see the success in Iraq that was possible through democracy, liberty, and freedom, the citizens of those countries will demand change.