I am in awe and very grateful to the members of the FDNY who put their life on the line day in an day out to protect the citizens of this great city. There can no more noble profession then that of a firefighter.

There are so many things in this life we can't predict or control.The one thing that definitely is predictable is in a moment of crisis the FDNY will move heaven and earth to help us.

Sadly the magnificent new fire boat 343 is named in honor of the men who put their lives on the line and lost them on 911. These were men with wives and children, with moms and dads, with sisters and brothers. They were men like us but not like us because they were men of uncommon valor and selflessness.

Next time you see a member of FDNY stop and and say thank you. In the future that same member may scramble up a ladder in an attempt to save your life while not thinking for a moment about his own.

New Yorkers must never forget the sacrifice of these men and their families on 9/11. We must never forget the sacrifices the front line members of the FDNY make daily.

One could argue that they get paid to do their job. One could argue that they knew the score when they joined. But can anyone of us imagine working with the stress and danger they face each time that alarm rings? Can anyone of us imagine walking in their boots? I know I can't.

May God keep the members of the FDNY in the palm of his hand and protect everyone of them.

Sail on 343 and each time you do you will honor the memory of those very fine men.

Thank you
A grateful New York State Citizen