On the 8th anniversary of the 9-11 attacks, hundreds celebrated the lives of those who were lost.

Joe Stark, Ret. FDNY & Engineer said, “343 fire fighters made the ultimate sacrifice that day. We are here to celebrate their lives."

New York’s newest fire boat was named in the honor of the 343 firefighters and paramedics that died saving others. The letters on the boat were forged from pieces of steel from the World Trade Center.

"The fire boat will keep their memory and always be a reminder of that day when those brave souls participated in what was the greatest rescue in history,” said Retired FDNY Chief, Bill Siegel.

With the ceremonial breaking of a champagne bottle on the ships bow, "343" was on her way to the water.

"It was great seeing that boat getting launched today. We haven't done this before and it hasn't been done in 50 years."

There were smiles and some tears as victims of the attacks were remembered. But the firefighters that lost friends and family say those 343 would have been humbled by this honor.

"A joyous occasion to see the boat getting launched and to be able to honor the men and women of the New York City fire department that lost their lives on September 11th," said FDNY Battalion Chief, James Dalton.
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“343” is not only a floating memorial, it's also the world's most advanced fire fighting boat, capable of pumping 50 thousand gallons of water a minute, and protecting fire fighters from nuclear and biological agents.

Every time this boat goes to work it will honor those who gave their lives, while fighting to save others. The "343" will make the 8 day trip up the east coast to New York City during the second week of December.

FDNY will spend three to four months training with the vessel before it's put into service in April. Eastern shipbuilding has already begun work on the 343's identical sister ship, "the firefighter ii", which will replace one of New York City’s 70-year-old fire boats.