9/11 AT THE PENTAGON

Although our outstanding memories of 9/11 are of the two towers in New York, it is sometimes forgotten that 184 people lost their lives, when a 3rd plane crashed into the Pentagon and demolished a large part of the building.  Allan often worked there but was fortunate to be in his other office, close by, on that fateful day, with many tales to tell of how the city reacted, including the fact that everyone, including the rest of the staff in the Pentagon, went into work the following day to show that terrorism can never win.

There is now a very moving memorial set outside the Pentagon, in a direct line orientated along the trajectory of the plane and its demolition of the building.  The garden of 184 stainless steel benches, each incorporating a lighted pool of flowing water, are individually named and stand within a field of gravel.



Each of the benches is specifically positioned in the memorial to distinguish victims who where in the Pentagon, from those who were on board the plane – facing away or towards the rebuilt Pentagon and in designated lines according to the age of the person.

 

It was designed by 2 students and selected from 1100 submissions and is quite stunning.  Allan says there is also a very moving memorial chapel within the Pentagon, with a 2 page biography of each victim and that flowers are laid by the benches from time to time amongst the Crape Myrtle trees. 

It’s not on the normal Washington DC tourist itinerary, but should be the top one. 

If you want more information on the garden and the tragedy see this link – www.pentagonmemorial.org