It was three years ago today that I saw United Airlines Flight 175 impact the south tower of the World Trade Center. As the day wore on, I learned of the fates of American Airlines flight 77 (which ultimately flew into the Pentagon), United Airlines flight 93 (which ended up crashing into a field near Somerset, PA), and of course, American Airlines flight 11 which had earlier crashed into the north tower of the World Trade Center.
While much of the focus over the past three years has been on the World Trade Center, we can't forget that two other planes were hijacked by Islamist terrorists, taking many people to their deaths, both on board the airplanes and in the Pentagon.
The Navy announced two years ago that they would name a new warship the USS New York in honor of that state's victims. Further, steel salvaged from the wreckage of the World Trade Center will be worked into its bow.
Yesterday, the Navy announced that two amphibious assault vessels will be named the USS Arlington and the USS Somerset. These ships will hold a landing force of 800 Marines, their helicopters and other equipment.
As a Navy retiree and the father of a Marine, I'm extremely proud. Though many may forget during their day-to-day life, the world is different since September 11, 2001. It's good to recognize that fact.
