Paying Tribute to the Victims of 9/11: Two Decades of Commemoration at the Pentagon Memorial

As the nation marks 23 years since the September 11 attacks, the Pentagon Memorial stands as a solemn tribute to the 184 lives lost at this site. Every day, individuals like Ricardo Barahona, a dedicated worker with Salvadoran roots, meticulously tend the memorial grounds, ensuring that each victim’s memory is honored through the site’s 184 engraved granite benches and tranquil fountains.

This sacred space, designed with deep respect and care, is not only a place of mourning, but also of reflection and learning. Visitors, including survivors and families of those who died, come to connect with the stories represented by each uniquely positioned bench, aligned according to the ages of the victims, from the youngest, three-year-old Dana Falkenberg, to the oldest, 71-year-old John Yamnicky.

The Pentagon Memorial uniquely captures the gravity of the events while providing a space for peace and reflection. Each year on this day, the memorial hosts ceremonies that bring together community members, military personnel, and leaders to remember and reflect. The constant care and attention given to the maintenance of the memorial ensures that it remains a fitting tribute for generations to come.

This anniversary is a poignant reminder of the resilience and unity that emerged after one of the darkest days in American history, underscoring the nation’s collective commitment to never forget those who have passed away.