Vice President Biden at the Unveiling of Horse Soldiers Monument on Veterans Day in NYC

Friday evening, I had the distinct honor of being asked to photograph the unveiling of the America's Response Memorial.  It is an 18' high statue created by artist Douwe Blumberg to honor the U.S. Special Forces teams which rode into Afghanistan on horseback to fight the Taliban.  (Click on any image to enlarge).

Bill White, Master of Ceremonies and Chairman and CEO of Constellations Group, is shown with several of the benefactors for the impressive monument which now stands in the lobby of Two World Financial Center, directly across the street from the World Trade Center Memorial.  The lobby where the ceremony took place was heavily damaged in the attacks on 9-11.

A 50' high flag which flew at the WTC the day of the attack was carefully unfurled and hoisted toward the ceiling by dozens of first responders, many of whom lost loved ones.

U.S. Marine Cpl, Aaron Mankin, an Iraq veteran and wounded warrior, with his mother.  Eric first met Aaron a few years ago on Intrepid and I met him two years ago when Prince Harry visited Intrepid. We've seen his transformation as he's endured over 50 surgeries since he was wounded in in Syria. Aaron is a true inspiration, and a warm and caring man.  His mother told me that he is scheduled for yet another surgery next week.

Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, are welcomed into the Hall by warm applause. They were joined in the front row by various NYC dignitaries including Police Commissioner Ray Kelly who was recognized by the Vice President.

Behind the Vice President are the Horse Soldiers, the members of U.S. Special Forces Teams who rode into Afghanistan on horseback and for whom the monument is dedicated. The Vice President spoke at length about the patriotism of this country and the ongoing efforts to preserve freedom.

For more information about the monument and the artist who created it, Douwe Blumberg, please click here.

This shoot produced over 300 images .. This is just a handful of memories from a once-in-a-lifetime evening.  It was a real honor to be in the company of our brave soldiers and our Vice President.

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