A year ago, I had the wonderful opportunity to join my Parental Unit and best friend in New York City to celebrate St. Patrick's Day...A day where everyone in the city is Irish and out celebrating.
The reasons why were therefore many: Orange County Fire Authority was invited to join the NYFD in the St. Patrick's Day Parade because of their efforts to support raising money for September 11th victims. Also, many of the men and women from the OCFD were there to support the fallen fire fighters and their families with the funerals.
We were able to see so many amazing things ...that included seeing my dad march in the parade while it was freezing outside. We also got to watch many school groups and other organizations from the city walking with pride. One of the parts that is so " heart touching" is seeing 343 flags carried by New York Fire Fighters...One flag to represent each one of the fire fighters killed on September 11th.
We also were able to ride on the fire boat. It is known as "Marine One". We took a trip around the Hudson River and it was such an amazing experience. This boat has been modified some, but, on September 11th , it helped provide water to the disaster.
We also had the opportunity to take the tour of the waterfalls at Ground Zero that are in the foot prints of the fallen. It is truly a beautiful dedication to those who lost their lives that day. MIt is a beautiful place for family and friends to go and remember their loved ones.
My parents are there again this year and said that they opened the museum and it is an entire day worth taking in what they have set up.
We took a trip across the Hudson River to see The Statue of Liberty and then over to Ellis Island. There are some moments in life where you just have to stop and recognize what that place truly represents. It was the first place the immigrants saw, and the place that held so many hopes, dreams, and wishes, all which were given; or taken away, sadly. Both sides of my family came through those doors - the Zeuli's and the Scortt's. Interesting to note that is where our name was changed from Scortino to Scortt...Very empowering moment.
We were then able to catch the train and go to Hoboken, NJ. This is where the amazing little sweet shop called Carlo's Bake Shop is. This little shop is the original home of The Cake Boss...seen on TV. Hoboken is such a cute little place and is well worth the trip.
We walked all over Manhatten and saw Rockefeller Center in and amongst so many more beautiful buildings. It is truly a place that everyone has to experience at least once. You have to experience the energy, the people, the food, stores, and the culture. It is one of the many awesome things that makes this country beautiful.
