Navy SEAL Swim Honors Veterans and 9/11 Victims

U.S. Marine veteran Joey Jones reports live from the Navy SEAL Swim in Jersey City, New Jersey. This annual event involves a challenging swim across the Hudson River to the Empty Sky Memorial. The participants aim to honor military veterans, first responders, and victims of the September 11 attacks. Each swimmer brings a personal story and motivation, adding depth to this historic tribute.

Navy SEALs, veterans, first responders, and other participants entered the New York Harbor in the morning for the annual swim event. This day, they honor the service and sacrifice of America’s heroes. “This is all about honoring our fallen,” stated retired Navy SEAL Brad Geary. The backdrop of the Statue of Liberty serves as a reminder of the event’s mission, which merges physical challenges with tributes.

Bill Brown, founder of the NYC SEAL Swim, explained the importance of the location. “The Statue of Liberty symbolizes our freedoms and civil liberties. Ellis Island represents diversity and the search for a better life,” he commented. “The Empty Sky Memorial honors Americans who lost their lives on 9/11. We love this country,” Brown emphasized.

Jimmy May, a retired SEAL commander, launched Beyond the Brotherhood, the event’s 2026 beneficiary. He was inspired by his challenging transition from military to civilian life and the loss of four friends to suicide. “I felt alone after leaving the teams and losing friends,” May shared. His experience led him to establish a support network for fellow SEALs, fostering community and purpose.

The organization has received support from across the nation. The event saw veterans, first responders, supporters, and families gather in a show of unity and remembrance. Gold Star mom Cindy Dietz, whose son Danny Dietz died in Afghanistan in 2005, spoke of the event’s significance: “It means so much to me to be with the team guys,” she said.