Photo: In May 2026, USCG leadership led the ceremony to commission the first of two cutters named after 9/11 heroes. © USCG
On the morning of September 11, 2001, 71 law enforcement officers from eight local, state, and federal agencies were killed when terrorist hijackers working for the al Qaeda terrorist network crashed passenger jets into the World Trade Center towers in New York City, the Pentagon, and a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. After the impact of the first plane into the World Trade Center’s North Tower, New York City police officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel put the safety of others before their own, rushing to the burning “Twin Towers” to aid victims and lead them to safety.
Two of those heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice were also U.S. Coast Guard Reservists. In 2026, the New York Council Navy League, a nonprofit military support organization founded in 1902, is recognizing the service and sacrifice of these heroes by celebrating the commissioning of two USCG cutters named in their honor—USCGC Vincent Danz and USCGC Jeffrey Palazzo.
Carrying Their Legacies Forward
After successfully commissioning NYPD officer Vincent Danz’s namesake ship in May, the New York Council is proudly honoring fallen FDNY firefighter Jeffrey Palazzo and the cutter named after him during September’s 25th anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy. You can honor these heroes and their legacies by donating in support of the commissioning celebrations and the ongoing morale fund for the Coast Guard crews serving on board the ships. For corporate or foundation sponsorship opportunities, please contact info@nynavyleague.org or visit us online.
Supporting Those Who Serve
Beyond our history of hosting ship commissioning celebrations, our events and programs serve approximately 10,000 service members and 2,000 local youth annually. From large-scale events such as the New York Maritime Security Conference and Fleet Week New York to smaller gatherings like our National Security Briefing Series and honoring top enlisted individuals at our adopted units, our nearly 750 members support those who serve all year. These activities not only provide direct support to military units, personnel, and families, but also educate the public about the crucial role of the sea services in national and economic security.
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Join a Legacy of Service
Anyone looking for ways to honor and celebrate the sea services is invited to visit our website to learn about our mission. Our work and funding are member-driven, so we encourage everyone to visit our website, attend an event, consider donating, and become a member. There is no cost to sign up for the Basic Membership, and joining the New York Council Navy League means joining a legacy of support and dedication to those who serve our nation at sea.
Visit nynavyleague.org to learn more and get involved.
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A citizen-led military support organization founded in 1902 to support the sea services — U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard and U.S.-flag Merchant Marine.