Annual Navy SEAL Swim: A Tribute to Veterans and 9/11 Victims

U.S. Marine veteran Joey Jones reported live from the annual Navy SEAL Swim held in Jersey City, New Jersey. This event saw swimmers crossing the Hudson River to reach the Empty Sky Memorial, paying tribute to military veterans, first responders, and victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks. Participants shared their personal motivations for joining this historical event.

Navy SEALs, veterans, first responders, and others took a plunge into New York Harbor as part of the Swim, which pays homage to the service and sacrifice of America’s most respected heroes. Brad Geary, a retired Navy SEAL, stated, “This is all about honoring our fallen, our country, and God.” Geary was accompanied by fellow retired Navy SEALs Bill Brown and Jimmy May. They reflected on the event’s mission, which blends miles of swimming and challenging physical activities with tributes to those who served and sacrificed.

The Statue of Liberty served as a significant backdrop. Brown, the founder of the NYC SEAL Swim, emphasized the symbolic importance of the location. “[We chose the setting] because of the Statue of Liberty and what she represents: our freedoms and civil liberties,” he said. He highlighted Ellis Island as a symbol of the diversity and opportunities that the nation offers. The Empty Sky Memorial stands as a reminder of the Americans who lost their lives on 9/11.

Jimmy May, a retired SEAL commander and founder of Beyond the Brotherhood, spoke about his nonprofit organization’s mission. This year’s event supported his organization, which grows from his own challenging transition from military to civilian life and the tragic loss of four friends to suicide. “When I left the teams, I felt alone after losing friends,” May noted. Feeling the need for a community, he created a support network to connect fellow SEALs with renewed purpose and community service. The organization has received extensive support nationwide.

The gathering on Saturday included veterans, first responders, supporters, and the families of the fallen. These families have found meaning in the tradition, returning each year to join the SEAL community. “It means so much,” said Cindy Dietz, a Gold Star mom whose son, Navy SEAL Danny Dietz, was killed in Afghanistan in 2005. Dietz expressed her appreciation for staying connected with the SEAL community.