The National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial
The National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial
While the entire world watched in horror the events of 9/11 unfolding at the World Trade Centre in New York, another terrorist act was looming at the Pentagon Military Headquarters. American Airlines flight 77 circled over Washington DC before crashing into the west side of the Pentagon in Arlington County, Virginia at 9:37am.
American Airlines Flight 77, departed Washington Dulles International Airport at 8:20am bound for Los Angeles. The Boeing 757-223 was carrying 58 passengers and fortunately only one quarter full. The plane loaded with 7,500 gallons of fuel was deliberately crashed into Pentagon flying at a speed of 530mph / 853 kph, sending up a huge plume of smoke. The fire raged at the Pentagon for 36 hours.
184 human beings were lost at the Pentagon - 64 people on Flight 77, including the 5 hijackers (affiliated with al-Qaeda) and 6 crew as well as 125 military personnel and civillans in the building.
In October 2001, a $500M repair and renovation initiative named the 'Phoenix Project' was undertaken.
The Pentagon Memorial Design
The Pentagon memorial design was selected from 1,100 applications. Designers, Julie Beckman and Keith Kaseman submission was chosen by a panel of family members, Washington DC public figures, architects and two former Secretaries of Defence.
Timeline
The Pentagon Memorial design incorporates a timeline of each victims' age, spanning from the youngest victim, Dana Falkenberg, to the oldest John D Yaminicky, 71, a Navy veteran, both were aboard Flight 77.
Crepe Myrtle Trees
85 Crepe Myrtle trees are planted amongst the Memorial Pieces. These trees will grow up to 30 feet to provide a canopy of shade over the Memorial for years to come.
The Memorials
Each Memorial Piece is a permanent tribute by name and birth year. The stainless steel and granite inlaid cantilevered benches have been specifically positioned in the Memorial to distinguish victims who were in the Pentagon and those who were aboard American Airline Flight 77.
Beneath each bench is a light and pool of flowing water reflecting light in the evenings onto the bench and surrounding area.
“Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve.”
