All,

The American Flag that was raised by the NYC Fire Fighters at the World Trade Center (the now famous picture we have all seen) was sent to the USS Theodore Roosevelt.

As the story goes NYC Mayor Giuliani had the memorial at Yankees Stadium and CINCLANT, Admiral Natter was in attendance and he was asked by the Mayor if this could go with us as we head out on deployment as he felt the City would want us to have it, so it arrived today, Sunday the 30th.

The flag itself is signed by the Mayor, Governor and the Fire Station that raised it and the stars are soiled with the soot from the WTC it was amazing to see up close.

The event was awesome as everyone was called to the flight deck after it was received by the ships fire fighters and then hauled up in the pictures (in the island shot it is the flag on the left) you see.

What was amazing was everyone was very quiet for about thirty seconds and then a huge roar [went up] from the crew followed by spontaneously everyone singing the National Anthem.

Fun day. It really makes you proud to serve your country!!

Pat