The USS New York, built in part with steel recovered from the World Trade Center, was christened today at the shipyard in Avondale, La.

Thousands of people, including friends and families of those who died in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, gathered near the hulking gray ship, trimmed in red, white and blue banners.

The bow stem, which contains 7.5 tons of steel from the site, bore a shield with two gray bars to symbolize the twin towers and a banner over that declaring “Never Forget,” a slogan among New Yorkers.

It is a slogan among more than New Yorkers.

Story after story of lives lost in, and touched by, the attacks peppered the ceremony, held under the blazing sun and broadcast on large screens. It all brought back painful memories for New York Police Lt. Matt Murphy. But the reason for his being here, though, was a source of pride, he said.

“I tell you, it’s a fantastic day. Sometimes you think you’re over something,” he said, his eyes welling up as he looked off toward the ship, “and then you realize you’re not completely.”

Lee Ielpi, president of the September 11th Families’ Association son Jonathan was firefighter that died in the attacks. In an interview he said,

This ship, as it cuts through the water, is going to send a ripple. That ripple will say, ‘We cherish our freedom.’”