AVONDALE, La. - The USS New York, an amphibious assault ship built with scrap steel from the ruins of the World Trade Center, was christened Saturday as a source of strength and inspiration for the nation.

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.

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That it could be used in war did not bother Lee Ielpi, president of the September 11th Families’ Association, whose son, Jonathan, a firefighter, died in the attacks. The ship won’t be used for war “unless you bother us,” he said in an interview.

“We’re sending a message that we’re standing strong,” he said, adding: “This ship, as it cuts through the water, is going to send a ripple. That ripple will say, ‘We cherish our freedom.’”

Rep. Vito Fossella, R-N.Y., said Sept. 11 was a turning point in the nation, and will never be forgotten because remnants of the disaster are part of the ship.

“If the USS New York has to follow Osama bin Laden to the gates of hell, PCO Jones and his crew … have my full support,” he said to a standing ovation.

We cherish our freedom so much that we cheer when our government builds billion-dollar war machines and turns one into a memorial for the dead. Vengeance is not a worthy memorial. Here are the true American ideals in the 21st century: war, death and revenge.