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Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic

A Tribute to Heroes: Honoring 9/11 Victims and George Howard aboard USS New York

by Lt. Nicholas West, Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic Public Affairs
11 September 2024 USS New York (LPD 21) serves as a lasting tribute to the victims of the September 11, 2001, attacks, which claimed 2,760 lives in New York City. The ship’s bow stem, forged from 7.5 tons of steel salvaged from the World Trade Center, symbolizes New York City's resilience and unity while honoring the enduring spirit of the nation.  
Earlier this year, Robert Howard, deputy director of Force Supply at Naval Air Forces Atlantic and a retired U.S. Navy Supply Corps captain, paid tribute to his late brother, George Howard, by visiting USS New York (LPD 21) and donating a 9/11 New York City Port Authority plaque. During his visit, he signed a memorable wall on board USS New York. (U.S. Navy photo by Jennifer Cragg/Released)
SLIDESHOW | 1 images | A Tribute to Heroes: Honoring 9/11 Victims and George Howard aboard USS New York Earlier this year, Robert Howard, deputy director of Force Supply at Naval Air Forces Atlantic and a retired U.S. Navy Supply Corps captain, paid tribute to his late brother, George Howard, by visiting USS New York (LPD 21) and donating a 9/11 New York City Port Authority plaque. During his visit, he signed a memorable wall on board USS New York. (U.S. Navy photo by Jennifer Cragg/Released)


Earlier this year, Robert Howard, deputy director of Force Supply at Naval Air Forces Atlantic and a retired U.S. Navy Supply Corps captain, paid tribute to his late brother, George Howard, by visiting USS New York and donating a 9/11 New York City Port Authority plaque.

This visit marked the first time he visited USS New York since the commissioning in June 2009. During his visit, Robert spent time visiting with the ship’s leadership reminiscing about his brother’s life and commitment to serve others.

“I am trying to keep my brother’s memory alive,” Robert said.

George, a former volunteer fireman who held the rank of captain with the Hicksville Fire Department based in Hicksville, New York, and a New York City Port Authority Policeman, was killed in the line of duty on September 11.

To remember the life and legacy of his brother, Robert presented a plaque to the USS New York leadership team, commemorating the life of the Port Authority victims who died in the September 11 attacks. The plaque contained a photo of everyone who perished that day who worked for the Port Authority to include George.

Robert spoke about the deep personal significance of this tribute, emphasizing the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by those who gave their lives on that tragic day.

“The challenge is that 9/11 was 23 years ago, and for those of us who defend and fight for our freedoms, it’s crucial to remember and honor the events of the past,” Robert said.

Robert discussed the actions his brother took on the morning of September 11. Despite being off duty, his brother rushed into action after the first plane crashed into the North Tower. He arrived just before the South Tower was struck and was tragically caught in the ensuing collapse of debris.

Known for his unwavering commitment, George had previously shown similar dedication during the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.

“He rescued a group of children who were trapped in an elevator,” Robert said, and it was also on his day off that he acted to help others.

In the immediate aftermath of the disaster, Arlene Howard, George and Robert’s mother, presented George’s Port Authority shield to President George W. Bush during a gathering with families of the missing firefighters and police officers. Subsequently, President Bush held up the badge in a national address, using it as a poignant symbol of the lives lost.

The plaque bearing the names of the Port Authority lives lost resides in USS New York’s ship museum. It stands alongside other memorabilia honoring those who lost their lives, serving as a moving reminder to every crew member of the profound meaning of freedom and the sacrifices made to protect it and to never forget.

 
 
 
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