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Pentagon Memorial Fund Breaks Ground on Education Center September 12

9/6/2026

15 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Pentagon Memorial Groundbreaking

Pentagon Memorial Fund will break ground on its Visitor Education Center on September 12, 2026.
The center will sit across Route 27 near the Air Force Memorial and Arlington Cemetery’s southern expansion.
Virginia contributed $1 million, the federal government $12 million, and organizers seek an additional $50 million.
About one million visitors tour the Pentagon memorial each year, hearing water pause at 9:37 a.m.

Summary

Cyclists Honor 9/11

Cyclists gathered at the Pentagon for the 9/11 National Memorial Trail Bike Tour on June 13, 2026.
The 28-day, 1,250-mile loop connects the New York 9/11 Memorial, the Pentagon Memorial, and the Flight 93 Memorial.
Participants from eight states and D.C. rode through Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
Trail founder David Brickley said he hopes future generations understand the attacks’ significance.

Summary

Smith Rescues Survivors

New Mexico Task Force-1 arrived at Pentagon six days after 9/11 and was ready within 24 hours.
Jim Breen and Troy Hamby shored damaged walls, secured classified material, and recovered remains.
Retired Army medic James “Smitty” Smith rescued seven survivors from the impact zone.
Smith repeatedly declined hero labels, insisting he was merely doing his job.
The Old Guard’s 3rd Infantry Regiment draped each recovered body with an American flag.

History

Historical Context

The September 11, 2001 attacks by al-Qaeda killed 2,977 people and spurred a wave of memorial projects. In 2002, the first anniversary saw nationwide ceremonies and the Tribute in Light installation began in March, establishing a pattern of public remembrance. Today the $63 million Pentagon Memorial Visitor Education Center, the 1,250-mile 9/11 National Memorial Trail, and New Mexico Task Force-1 echo those early efforts.

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Pentagon Memorial Groundbreaking

Pentagon Memorial Fund will break ground on its Visitor Education Center on September 12, 2026.
The center will sit across Route 27 near the Air Force Memorial and Arlington Cemetery’s southern expansion.
Virginia contributed $1 million, the federal government $12 million, and organizers seek an additional $50 million.
About one million visitors tour the Pentagon memorial each year, hearing water pause at 9:37 a.m.

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