Many of you know I am a Kansas City Barbeque Society Certified Barbeque Judge. Over the years, I have judged numerous competitions up and down the East Coast. A number of years ago I joined the Barbeque Brethren, a group of competition barbeque teams on Long Island. Pre-covid, we hosted a BBQ for 1500 veterans and family members at the VA on Long Island for more than ten years. In 2016, the Barbeque Brethren learned nothing was being done to commemorate 9/11 for the 2,000 Navy, Coast Guard and Marines based at the Brooklyn cruise port.
(C) Stephen J. Silverberg 2016
A few strings were pulled by the Barbeque Brethren, who had been doing BBQ lunches for 1500 veterans and family members at the VA on Long Island for more than ten years.
The only ones permitted to attend this event was the crew, some of the VA home residents and members of the Barbeque Brethren. It was not open to the public.
While I was there, cooking and serving along with my fellow Barbeque Brethren, I saw the Coast Guard cruiser coming into port in front of the Freedom Tower and took this photo. Notice the ship’s number: 911.
The Coast Cruiser made its way past the Freedom Tower. It was a remarkable sight.
We shall never forget all those who were killed on the day of the attacks and who have died as a result of their efforts afterwards.