The new Navy assault ship USS New York steamed into New York harbor Monday, cutting through the water with a bow built using seven and a half tons of steel recovered from the wreckage of the World Trade Center.

Its crew stood at attention and a 21-gun salute greeted the ship. Firefighters, bagpipers, and those who lost loved ones on 9/11 lined the shore to watch the emotional arrival. The docking holds special meaning for many families of those who died in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

“What better way for our young men and women that are going to be on the USS New York to feel the spirit of our country than to have this ship have the steel in the bow that represents not the bad but the good of our country,” said Lee Ielpi, who lost his firefighter son, Jonathan, on 9/11.

The memory of the attacks is etched on the crest of the ship, which features a phoenix rising from the twin towers with the words, “Never Forget.”

Thanks to CNN.com for the info and moderateinthemiddle.com for the photo.