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According to Naval records, several other ships have carried the name the USS New York. This new ship got the name the USS New York when then-New York Gov. George Pataki wrote to Secretary of the Navy Gordon England and requested that the Navy approve of the name in honor of the victims of Sept. 11 and on ships that will be used to fight the war on terror.
The first was an armed gondola built by Revolutionary War general Benedict Arnold in 1776. She was one of several ships later burned to avoid capture.
The second was a frigate built in New York and commissioned in 1800. She saw service in the Mediterranean in the war against the Barbary pirates. She was in the Washington Navy Yard, where she was burned by the British in 1814.
The third New York was built after the War of 1812 as part of nine ships of the line to discourage a future war with Britain. The threat lessened so she was never launched, but she was burned by Union forces to avoid capture at the start of the Civil War.
The fourth was a screw sloop that was built beginning in 1863 but also never got launched.
The fifth was an armored cruiser commissioned in 1893. She was used in the Spanish-American War and was the flagship of the admiral in the Battle of Santiago, which destroyed the Spanish fleet. She was later renamed the Saratoga and then later the Rochester.
The sixth was the battleship USS New York, commissioned in 1914. She saw service in World War I and World War II. She was used in the atomic testing in Bikini but survived without sinking. She was sunk off Pearl Harbor in 1948 as a target ship.
Finally, there was a nuclear submarine named the USS New York that was in service from 1979 until ’97.
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About seven tons of steel from the World Trade Center was melted down in a foundry in Louisiana 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."
When the trade center steel first arrived, Junior Chavers, foundry operations manager, touched it with his hand and the "hair on my neck stood up," he said.
"It had a big meaning to it for all of us. They knocked us down," he said, referring to the terrorists. "They can’t keep us down. We’re going to be back."
"This new class of ships will project American power to the far corners of the Earth and support the cause of freedom well into the 21st century," Secretary of the Navy Gordon England said when the project was announced in 2002. "From the war for independence through the war on terrorism, which we wage today, the courage and heroism of the people of New York has been an inspiration. USS New York will play an important role in our Navy’s future and will be a fitting tribute to the people of the Empire State."
By the way, the ship’s motto is "Never Forget."
the flag-draped coffin
I hope you take the time to read this. To understand what the flag-draped coffin really means, here is how to understand the flag that laid upon it and is surrendered to so many widows and widowers. Do you know that at military funerals, the 21-gun salute stands for the sum of the numbers in the year 1776?
Have you ever noticed the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the United States of America flag 13 times? You probably thought it was to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but we learn something new every day:
The first fold of the flag is a symbol of life.
The second fold is a symbol of the belief in eternal life.
The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing the ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of the country to attain peace throughout the world.
The fourth fold represents the weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.
The fifth fold is a tribute to the country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong."
The sixth fold is for where people’s hearts lie. It is with their heart that they pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.
The seventh fold is a tribute to its armed forces, for it is through the armed forces that they protect their country and their flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of their republic.
The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.
The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood and mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.
The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of their country since they were first born.
The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews’ eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians’ eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.
The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding them of their nation’s motto, "In God We Trust."
After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under Gen. George Washington, and the sailors and Marines who served under Capt. John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the armed forces of the United States, preserving for them the rights, privileges and freedoms they enjoy today.
There are some traditions and ways of doing things that have deep meaning. In the future, you’ll see flags folded, and now you will know why.
Share this with the children you love and all others who love what is referred to as the symbol of liberty and freedom. ••
Columnist William Feldman can be contacted by e-mail at wmkidscolumn@aol.com