One day after the nation marked the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, Arlington became the focal point for a new effort to preserve the memory of the Pentagon strike. A ceremonial groundbreaking on Saturday launched the long‑discussed Pentagon 9/11 Visitor Education Center, a $100 million facility that will provide historical context, exhibits and educational programming about the 184 victims and the nation’s response.
Local families and veterans lead the ceremony
Among the attendees was Jim Laychak, president of the Pentagon Memorial Fund, whose brother was among those killed on that fateful day. “It is something that is long overdue, and I’m thrilled about the opportunities to provide more programming for students and others in the community to learn about the events of 9/11 and how our country responded,” Laychak said.
Laychak emphasized that the existing memorial, while powerful, cannot convey the full story of the attack. “We knew that it was going to be absolutely necessary to create a place for visitors to understand in greater detail what happened here,” he added.
Federal support and ongoing fundraising
Virginia Senator Mark Warner announced that the federal government has already committed $12 million toward construction and pledged to continue fighting for additional dollars. “We will fight for those dollars,” Warner said, underscoring the importance of ensuring the Pentagon tragedy receives equal recognition alongside the attacks in New York and Pennsylvania.
Warner noted, “There was a tragedy in New York, but there was also a tragedy here at the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania. All of the victims need to be remembered.” He stressed that the center will help people “fully understand and appreciate” the broader 9/11 story.
National Park Service partnership
Just days before the groundbreaking, the National Park Service designated the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial as an affiliated area of the National Park System. While the designation does not alter ownership or daily management, it creates a formal partnership aimed at strengthening preservation and public‑education efforts.
Looking ahead
The project remains dependent on private donations and additional federal appropriations. Organizers have raised only a portion of the projected $100 million cost, but they remain optimistic that the center can open its doors by 2029 if fundraising stays on track.
For families of victims, veterans, educators and the broader community, the new Visitor Education Center promises a dedicated space to honor the fallen, teach future generations, and reinforce the nation’s resolve to remember and learn from its history.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
