While up in Woodstock, New York this weekend I noticed this large American flag draped in front of a gas station.
It got my attention because Woodstock is not exactly known as a bastion of American patriotism. You don't see a lot of U.S. flags around town other than the rainbow ones so I took a closer look.
It is a memorial flag in honor of someone who was killed in the World Trade Center.
And a heartfelt show of gratitude for the dedication and excellence of service of our U.S. Armed Forces
On my way into work this morning I noticed that the Freedom Tower downtown is rising up in the city skyline. It took me by surprise because it's been so long. I had to take some pictures.
Please click to enlarge. I used a much higher resolution in these shots so they get really big. When you click, then click again! You can actually see the American flag flying under the cranes especially in the bottom few shots.
It is a beautiful day today, sparkling and clear. Just as it was on September 11, 2001.
Almost ten years ago I stood in this very spot and watched the towers of our World Trade Center burn and fall.
I just heard that it is about 60% completed but it doesn't look very much taller than the Woolworth Building so far.
Here you can see the cranes lifting the steel into place.
I watched the World Trade Center being built when I was a kid. I had been to the observation deck at the top many times. And for a short time I worked on the 97th floor of the South Tower.
I watched as they were destroyed and fell in 2001. I was running late for work that day. I came out of my building and saw what was happening. It was two minutes after the second plane hit.
A friend of mine was killed in the attacks. He was 26 years old and didn't even work in the World Trade Center. He was only there for a breakfast meeting that morning.
Now I'm watching the rebuilding of the site ten years later. Though it is exciting to see them putting up the new tower, it is also very sad. My heart has never left the people who were in the airplanes, those who were inside the WTC and the Pentagon, and all of the first responders who gave their lives.
UPDATE - Sunday, July 31, 2011: Here's a couple more pictures from the New Jersey side of the Hudson River. This was from inside the car on the way into the Lincoln Tunnel. It looks a lot bigger from this point of view. It's going to bring back the balance in the skyline in lower Manhattan.
UPDATE - August 22, 2011: A nice hi-res shot on a rainy, gray day below.
Robert Spencer will be on The Urban Infidel Show Thursday, July 28 at 8:00 PM Eastern
Robert Spencer, author and founder of Jihad Watch will be joining me on Thursday, July 28th at 8:00 PM Eastern Time to discuss the current state of the global anti-jihad movement.
But it has never really ended, has it? The perpetually campaigning community organizer hasn't given it a rest since 2008. Given what we already know about President Golf Ball, the Democrat machine, and the traitorous mainstream media, the 2012 race for the White House promises to be one of the memorably ugly episodes in U.S. election history.
I came across another eye-catching bit of anti-Obama street art today in Williamsburg. I always get a kick out them.
Similar to the one I reported on earlier, again we have President Barry Soetoro and Frankenstein's monster. But this time with the addition of American flag-draped coffins and cheesecake photos. An odd mix.
What it suggests to me is that the White House occupant doesn't have his mind on the country's interests. At the center of it all what exists is only him and him alone, the malignant narcissist.
So rare that something in this town is actually done right. In a city that takes, takes, take and then takes some more, the new East River Ferry is a Godsend.
In June the new NY Waterways ferries were launched and it has changed my life. For those of us like myself who have been captives of the MTA, New York City's subway system, it is nothing less than a blessing. And since it is privately run and owned, it is vastly superior an experience.
How wonderful to be able to sit by the river in the morning and get your thoughts and your day in perspective.
What a great way to start and end your workday. The waters of the East River are calm. The isle of Manhattan awaits.
Here comes the boat. And right on time.
VIDEO: Pulling out of the dock!
Now this is downright civilized.
VIDEO: Heading upriver! Wow. It really moves along at a nice clip!
Queens waterfront.
VIDEO: The last leg of the voyage heading for Manhattan!
While we celebrate America's 235th birthday this weekend it's important to reflect on how get our country back on the right course to liberty and prosperity.
While up in Woodstock, New York this weekend I noticed this large American flag draped in front of a gas station.
It is a memorial flag in honor of someone who was killed in the World Trade Center. 
And a heartfelt show of gratitude for the dedication and excellence of service of our U.S. Armed Forces
Yes. Thank you, US NAVY SEALS.
