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Where somber and serene meet you get this. Knowing what caused this memorial to be built kind of grounds you when you come here. The sounds from the highway get drowned out and you can find yourself relaxing while you are here. After the 9/11 attacks it took some time to find the appropriate use of the land, but once there was a plan in place the memorial started they lined up completion during the anniversary of the attacks in 2008. I kind of pieced together what the reasoning of the design of the memorial was while I was here and after getting home and looking it up I was able to confirm it. The memorial is set up by age of the victim, I had that figured out. But there were so many things that I had no idea of the meaning behind it. The orientation of the benches depict where the victim was. Facing the building means they were either inside the building or on the grounds. Facing away from the building they were on the aircraft. If there were multiple members of a family the names of the family members will be visible in the reflecting pool under bench. The wall starts at 3 inches and rises to 71 inches, the age range of the victims. Other interesting things about this memorial is that there are remains entombed here. There is also a marker here for the remains of unidentifiable victims. I should have done my research before visiting. That way I would have had at least some knowledge. Nonetheless, this was a nice trek to take on a day you have time to spare. You get to explore a little more of the area and gets you familiar. There are a few things about this place that a kind of housekeeping items. It is quite the trek from the metro station, have on your best walking shoes. Currently there is ongoing construction, so prepare for that. There is minimal information at the memorial itself and no one around to ask questions. Do your own research before showing up or after you have visited.
Many different fields, including psychology, marketing, and education talk about what's called a "cohort effect": a shared experience of a group or generation of people that impacts their lives or outcomes in a meaningful way. In the case of 9/11, virtually, everyone remembers where they were on that fateful morning, and solemnly recognizes how it continues to influence all of us today. Doreen, a recent visit to Washington DC in November 2022, my bride, and I walked from our hotel in Washington Heights all around the mall, across the bridge to Arlington, and all the way down to the Pentagon. While we certainly got our steps in, I definitely stopped and took a meaningful pause here at the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial. As I sat on the bench of one of the 184 victims from that morning at this location, the strong breeze created a curtain of crimson crepe myrtle leaves in the air. And I was taking back to that morning, remembering one of my friends, who worked at the Pentagon, but was on the other side of the building on that fateful day. This place is beautiful and solemn, a respectful memorial to those who senselessly lost their lives more than 20 years ago. Dedicated in 2007, the trees have grown significantly, and seasonally, create beautiful blooms, shade under the green leaves, and beautiful autumn color. A plaque near the entrance list, the names of those lost, and the 2 acre space rests very close to the rebuilt section of the Pentagon itself. To the west, you can see the Air Force memorial construction, not yet completed, but still awe inspiring. I did not know personally, any of the people remembered here; but I still got a little emotional here. As my mom would say: "The ones we've lost are worth every tear."
At the Pentagon is a memorial of the 9/11 attacks. It may be hard to get to with barriers. Kind of a long walk from the Metro station. Elegant and simple to look at. There's a few signs and things to check out. Get off at the Pentagon Metro station and look for the signs telling you the way to go. It seems like a long walk around the Pentagon. The memorial is almost on the other side. Can be hard to get to at times with construction. There's often fencing around it. Highlights include the fountains and the plaques with the names of the many victims who died. There's also several other sculptures. It basically is simple but moving. It's worth checking out if you're at the Pentagon. The memorial might be closed off at times.
A beautiful tribute to those that lost their lives in the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon This is open to the public and located on the southwest corner of the Pentagon. The entrance is on the southern side of the tribute. This is a moving tribute to the lives lost in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. The memorial consists of a series of benches arranged in a pattern that reflects the flight path of American Airlines Flight 77, which was hijacked and flown into the building. Each bench is inscribed with the name of one of the 184 victims who died that day. The entire site has a very low profile and is very tastefully done. Visitors can take a quiet moment to reflect and remember those who lost their lives. The benches are arranged in a peaceful and contemplative setting, surrounded by trees and flowers. It includes a wall inscribed with a timeline of the events of 9/11 as you enter, as well as a plaque honoring the first responders who rushed to the scene to help. The Pentagon 9/11 Memorial is a powerful and poignant reminder of the events of that tragic day. The design of the memorial is simple yet effective, and the location on the grounds of the Pentagon provides a fitting tribute to those who lost their lives in the attack. For anyone visiting the Washington, D.C. area, a visit to the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial is a must-see. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve our country, and the enduring strength of the American spirit.
The pentagon memorial is moving. The 9/11 memorial has tour guides (docents) that are survivors and family members who lost loved ones. The benches are positioned to show who was in the pentagon or plane at the time of the crash. The memorial gets crowded at any holiday.
On September 11, 2001, two planes collided with the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, at 9:37 am. An American Airlines plane, flight 77 was leaving Dulles International Airport (heading to LAX) but ended up crashing into the Pentagon, killing 125 people within the building and all 64 people (please note that 5 of those lives were terrorists) on board of the plane (a total 184 people died). On September 11, 2008, an opening ceremony of the Pentagon Memorial was held and made it officially open. The Pentagon Memorial is free for the public to attend, located next to the actual Pentagon. Consider taking the train since there is no where for you to park. Exit the Pentagon stop (NOT Pentagon City) and the train will drop you right off at the Pentagon. You will have to walk to the other side of the building though to make it towards the memorial. The first thing you will see is the flag, with all 184 of the names loss on the marble slab. Then walk down further and you will see the pentagon memorial gateway with "September 11, 2001 9:37 AM" written on the floor. Just a little ahead are the individual memorial units with a bench and a lighted pool of flowing water. Each victim of this tragedy has his/ her name inscribed as a permanent memorial (honoring all 59 lives lost on Flight 77 that day) and age. Each day, the water beneath the memorial units are turned off at 9:37 am to allow for a moment of silence to commemorate the exact time of the crash. My husband and I came here on a Thursday, a little before 2 pm. It was quiet and peaceful. People were sitting on the memorial benches and just sitting in peace. It was nice that the memorial was not crowded when we arrived and I just liked the serenity of the running water underneath the benches. If you are looking for a unique and uncrowded tourist attraction, consider visiting this memorial. It is best to come here early in the morning to avoid the harsh sun and heat (especially if you visit during the hot and humid months of summer like we did) or in the evening to see the memorial light up. Please note that there are no public restrooms at this memorial.
Such a simple memorial the evokes a powerful image for a pivotal time in US history. It's within walking distance from the Arlington Cemetery, and has the names of the victims engraved on a number of slabs. If you're here to see the Pentagon, be sure to stop taking pictures after you snap a few of the memorial - there are authorities patrolling the area making sure you do not take pictures of the Pentagon itself. Also keep in mind that if you want to go inside the Pentagon, you'll need to book your tours weeks in advance! https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/pentagon-memorial-arlington?select=bV5yHZPIHGXxFHYRdLfmBg&userid=97Dj5h5CQUsWZrEWj3wWOg https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/pentagon-memorial-arlington?select=VaySZ0lQIrpihQg_Vj3gYg&userid=97Dj5h5CQUsWZrEWj3wWOg
This is a very beautiful and reflective place to visit. If you have a smart phone, be sure to download the interactive tour. It will tell you where to start the tour so you can fully understand why the monuments were designed the way they were and how they were placed. It is a very fitting and touching tribute to those who lost their lives on that dreadful day. We will never forget.
How do I rate my visit to this beautiful memorial?!? It feels to rate five stars, but the honor that it shows all the victims of this dispicable day in time was humbling. We visited on a very hot summer day but still walked through and enjoyed the quietness and the water flowing throughout the entire memorial. It took a minute for us to figure out how it was set up but we didnt give up... (lol) Everything was clean and there were walkways to walk through with strollers or wheelchairs if needed. There was actually someone there at the time cleaning the water. Once the trees get bigger it will be even better for visitors to sit and reflect on the events of that day or for loved ones to visit in the shade. I loved being able to see this memorial. The Pentagon was a cool place to visit.
I had been here a few times before, but I stopped by yesterday (9/10) in light of the 10th anniversary of the attacks. I have to say, it definitely felt different. It wasn't the fact that news crews were setting up for the following days events, or the fact that crews of people were polishing each bench. It wasn't all the flowers laying halfway out of the water, or the people watching from the roof of the pentagon (had never seen them up there before watching) It did have an eerie feeling being here and seeing the two shades of the pentagon where the building was hit. Every time a plane rumbled past to land at nearby National Airport, anyone would have flashbacks to that day. As for the memorial itself, it was very thought out and I love the design. I like the idea that a bench is where the soul can go to rest. The benches are organized by year (the youngest being little Dana who was only 3 years old) and face in the direction of the people on the plane or in the building. If you are ever able to go inside the pentagon, they have a chapel which was built in the place where the plane had crashed. It's a beautiful room. They also have memorials inside the hallway that was rebuilt, with pictures of the men and women who had worked there. And memorial quilts line the walls sent in by people from across the country. Overall a great way to keep and honor the memory the people who had died that day.
I went on to the dedication ceremony and so it was flocked full of people. This memorial is well thought out. Symbolism is lurking in every design aspect of the memorial, from the orientation and direction of the benches, height of the wall, use of water & light, the gravel, etc. My recommendation is to come when it's not so busy, then you can truly memorialize those who lost their lives without being distracted.
Very peaceful. Great place to reflect. There is a phone number you can call to get an audio tour with your cellphone 202-741-1004. There are water fountains and a bathroom trailer. Disabled bathroom available also. There is a lot of parking but pay attention to signs, since there are off limit area. You do not need reservations to see the memorial but you do need it to go on the Pentagon Tour.
Despite being a Washingtonian, I had visited the World Trade Center and its memorial, as well as the Flight 93 site in Western Pennsylvania, but had not been to the Pentagon Memorial for the same series of events until I figured a notable anniversary was the time to do it. The practicalities of the memorial have always bugged me; obviously they wanted it to be onsite at the Pentagon, but the reality is that you can't drive there, you have to get off at a Metro stop that no one normally gets off at unless they are a card carrying member of the Military Industrial Complex, then walk around the Pentagon through some unpleasantly utilitarian scenery with a thousand signs about national security that make it seem like you don't belong. It's very different than many of our DC memorials in terms of accessibility. Many people who visit New York will see the WTC site, but very few DC visitors will even be aware of this memorial. It's also by a loud highway, and has some limited temporary bathroom facilities. So as a visitor experience, it just isn't what it could be. The experience of the memorial itself is nonetheless distinctive and noteworthy. Curve benches carry the names of victims of the attack, and are notoriously lit up after dark, which is really the time to see the site. It is a place that inspires reflection, and many still gather in specific recognition of people whose only crime on 9/11 was showing up to work. read more
A creative and worthwile memorial. Yeah, its just benches, but the design is creative and thought out. Factoring in age and aircraft passenger and pentagon employee the benches are placed a certain way. Is it worth a special trip? Probably not, but its something that is worth being on your to do list. As a side note, make sure to only take pictures from inside the memorial. They will confiscate your phone if you take pictures outside of it. Even though there are probably hundreds of cats going by every day with dash cams and you can literally go on Google maps and see pictures that would be nearly identical to what you would be taking in nearly the same spots, they don't play around with that. So make sure to keep your camera away until you're in the memorial. read more
11 months ago
2 years ago
Where somber and serene meet you get this. Knowing what caused this memorial to be built kind of grounds you when you come here. The sounds from the highway get drowned out and you can find yourself relaxing while you are here. After the 9/11 attacks it took some time to find the appropriate use of the land, but once there was a plan in place the memorial started they lined up completion during the anniversary of the attacks in 2008. I kind of pieced together what the reasoning of the design of the memorial was while I was here and after getting home and looking it up I was able to confirm it. The memorial is set up by age of the victim, I had that figured out. But there were so many things that I had no idea of the meaning behind it. The orientation of the benches depict where the victim was. Facing the building means they were either inside the building or on the grounds. Facing away from the building they were on the aircraft. If there were multiple members of a family the names of the family members will be visible in the reflecting pool under bench. The wall starts at 3 inches and rises to 71 inches, the age range of the victims. Other interesting things about this memorial is that there are remains entombed here. There is also a marker here for the remains of unidentifiable victims. I should have done my research before visiting. That way I would have had at least some knowledge. Nonetheless, this was a nice trek to take on a day you have time to spare. You get to explore a little more of the area and gets you familiar. There are a few things about this place that a kind of housekeeping items. It is quite the trek from the metro station, have on your best walking shoes. Currently there is ongoing construction, so prepare for that. There is minimal information at the memorial itself and no one around to ask questions. Do your own research before showing up or after you have visited. read more
Many different fields, including psychology, marketing, and education talk about what's called a "cohort effect": a shared experience of a group or generation of people that impacts their lives or outcomes in a meaningful way. In the case of 9/11, virtually, everyone remembers where they were on that fateful morning, and solemnly recognizes how it continues to influence all of us today. Doreen, a recent visit to Washington DC in November 2022, my bride, and I walked from our hotel in Washington Heights all around the mall, across the bridge to Arlington, and all the way down to the Pentagon. While we certainly got our steps in, I definitely stopped and took a meaningful pause here at the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial. As I sat on the bench of one of the 184 victims from that morning at this location, the strong breeze created a curtain of crimson crepe myrtle leaves in the air. And I was taking back to that morning, remembering one of my friends, who worked at the Pentagon, but was on the other side of the building on that fateful day. This place is beautiful and solemn, a respectful memorial to those who senselessly lost their lives more than 20 years ago. Dedicated in 2007, the trees have grown significantly, and seasonally, create beautiful blooms, shade under the green leaves, and beautiful autumn color. A plaque near the entrance list, the names of those lost, and the 2 acre space rests very close to the rebuilt section of the Pentagon itself. To the west, you can see the Air Force memorial construction, not yet completed, but still awe inspiring. I did not know personally, any of the people remembered here; but I still got a little emotional here. As my mom would say: "The ones we've lost are worth every tear." read more
At the Pentagon is a memorial of the 9/11 attacks. It may be hard to get to with barriers. Kind of a long walk from the Metro station. Elegant and simple to look at. There's a few signs and things to check out. Get off at the Pentagon Metro station and look for the signs telling you the way to go. It seems like a long walk around the Pentagon. The memorial is almost on the other side. Can be hard to get to at times with construction. There's often fencing around it. Highlights include the fountains and the plaques with the names of the many victims who died. There's also several other sculptures. It basically is simple but moving. It's worth checking out if you're at the Pentagon. The memorial might be closed off at times. read more
3 years ago
A beautiful tribute to those that lost their lives in the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon This is open to the public and located on the southwest corner of the Pentagon. The entrance is on the southern side of the tribute. This is a moving tribute to the lives lost in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. The memorial consists of a series of benches arranged in a pattern that reflects the flight path of American Airlines Flight 77, which was hijacked and flown into the building. Each bench is inscribed with the name of one of the 184 victims who died that day. The entire site has a very low profile and is very tastefully done. Visitors can take a quiet moment to reflect and remember those who lost their lives. The benches are arranged in a peaceful and contemplative setting, surrounded by trees and flowers. It includes a wall inscribed with a timeline of the events of 9/11 as you enter, as well as a plaque honoring the first responders who rushed to the scene to help. The Pentagon 9/11 Memorial is a powerful and poignant reminder of the events of that tragic day. The design of the memorial is simple yet effective, and the location on the grounds of the Pentagon provides a fitting tribute to those who lost their lives in the attack. For anyone visiting the Washington, D.C. area, a visit to the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial is a must-see. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve our country, and the enduring strength of the American spirit. read more
6 years ago
The pentagon memorial is moving. The 9/11 memorial has tour guides (docents) that are survivors and family members who lost loved ones. The benches are positioned to show who was in the pentagon or plane at the time of the crash. The memorial gets crowded at any holiday. read more
On September 11, 2001, two planes collided with the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, at 9:37 am. An American Airlines plane, flight 77 was leaving Dulles International Airport (heading to LAX) but ended up crashing into the Pentagon, killing 125 people within the building and all 64 people (please note that 5 of those lives were terrorists) on board of the plane (a total 184 people died). On September 11, 2008, an opening ceremony of the Pentagon Memorial was held and made it officially open. The Pentagon Memorial is free for the public to attend, located next to the actual Pentagon. Consider taking the train since there is no where for you to park. Exit the Pentagon stop (NOT Pentagon City) and the train will drop you right off at the Pentagon. You will have to walk to the other side of the building though to make it towards the memorial. The first thing you will see is the flag, with all 184 of the names loss on the marble slab. Then walk down further and you will see the pentagon memorial gateway with "September 11, 2001 9:37 AM" written on the floor. Just a little ahead are the individual memorial units with a bench and a lighted pool of flowing water. Each victim of this tragedy has his/ her name inscribed as a permanent memorial (honoring all 59 lives lost on Flight 77 that day) and age. Each day, the water beneath the memorial units are turned off at 9:37 am to allow for a moment of silence to commemorate the exact time of the crash. My husband and I came here on a Thursday, a little before 2 pm. It was quiet and peaceful. People were sitting on the memorial benches and just sitting in peace. It was nice that the memorial was not crowded when we arrived and I just liked the serenity of the running water underneath the benches. If you are looking for a unique and uncrowded tourist attraction, consider visiting this memorial. It is best to come here early in the morning to avoid the harsh sun and heat (especially if you visit during the hot and humid months of summer like we did) or in the evening to see the memorial light up. Please note that there are no public restrooms at this memorial. read more
Such a simple memorial the evokes a powerful image for a pivotal time in US history. It's within walking distance from the Arlington Cemetery, and has the names of the victims engraved on a number of slabs. If you're here to see the Pentagon, be sure to stop taking pictures after you snap a few of the memorial - there are authorities patrolling the area making sure you do not take pictures of the Pentagon itself. Also keep in mind that if you want to go inside the Pentagon, you'll need to book your tours weeks in advance! https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/pentagon-memorial-arlington?select=bV5yHZPIHGXxFHYRdLfmBg&userid=97Dj5h5CQUsWZrEWj3wWOg https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/pentagon-memorial-arlington?select=VaySZ0lQIrpihQg_Vj3gYg&userid=97Dj5h5CQUsWZrEWj3wWOg read more
7 years ago
This is a very beautiful and reflective place to visit. If you have a smart phone, be sure to download the interactive tour. It will tell you where to start the tour so you can fully understand why the monuments were designed the way they were and how they were placed. It is a very fitting and touching tribute to those who lost their lives on that dreadful day. We will never forget. read more
How do I rate my visit to this beautiful memorial?!? It feels to rate five stars, but the honor that it shows all the victims of this dispicable day in time was humbling. We visited on a very hot summer day but still walked through and enjoyed the quietness and the water flowing throughout the entire memorial. It took a minute for us to figure out how it was set up but we didnt give up... (lol) Everything was clean and there were walkways to walk through with strollers or wheelchairs if needed. There was actually someone there at the time cleaning the water. Once the trees get bigger it will be even better for visitors to sit and reflect on the events of that day or for loved ones to visit in the shade. I loved being able to see this memorial. The Pentagon was a cool place to visit. read more
I had been here a few times before, but I stopped by yesterday (9/10) in light of the 10th anniversary of the attacks. I have to say, it definitely felt different. It wasn't the fact that news crews were setting up for the following days events, or the fact that crews of people were polishing each bench. It wasn't all the flowers laying halfway out of the water, or the people watching from the roof of the pentagon (had never seen them up there before watching) It did have an eerie feeling being here and seeing the two shades of the pentagon where the building was hit. Every time a plane rumbled past to land at nearby National Airport, anyone would have flashbacks to that day. As for the memorial itself, it was very thought out and I love the design. I like the idea that a bench is where the soul can go to rest. The benches are organized by year (the youngest being little Dana who was only 3 years old) and face in the direction of the people on the plane or in the building. If you are ever able to go inside the pentagon, they have a chapel which was built in the place where the plane had crashed. It's a beautiful room. They also have memorials inside the hallway that was rebuilt, with pictures of the men and women who had worked there. And memorial quilts line the walls sent in by people from across the country. Overall a great way to keep and honor the memory the people who had died that day. read more
I went on to the dedication ceremony and so it was flocked full of people. This memorial is well thought out. Symbolism is lurking in every design aspect of the memorial, from the orientation and direction of the benches, height of the wall, use of water & light, the gravel, etc. My recommendation is to come when it's not so busy, then you can truly memorialize those who lost their lives without being distracted. read more
7 years ago
Very peaceful. Great place to reflect. There is a phone number you can call to get an audio tour with your cellphone 202-741-1004. There are water fountains and a bathroom trailer. Disabled bathroom available also. There is a lot of parking but pay attention to signs, since there are off limit area. You do not need reservations to see the memorial but you do need it to go on the Pentagon Tour. read more
2 years ago
10 years ago
Bottom Line: A somber place to remember the 183 people who perished in the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. This memorial brings to life the events of September 11, 2011 at 9:37am when, at the hands of terrorists, American Airlines flight 77 crashed into the side of the most powerful office building in the world. The memorial is very well done and honors the 183 people, ranging in age from 3 to 72, who were victims of that attack. The memorial also urges visitors to remember and embrace the resilience of spirit and American pride that followed that fateful September morning. I highly recommend taking a self guided audio tour using your cell phone. I enjoyed the 12 minute tour recounting the tragedy and explaining the symbolism in the memorial. Twelve minutes was not enough time for me here so I had a seat on the sitting wall to quietly reflect. The memorial is accessible from the Pentagon Metro station and is well marked with signage. read more
I was able to visit the Pentagon Memorial in Arlington, Virginia on September 2nd, 2009. The Pentagon Memorial was dedicated and opened to the public on September 11th, 2008; which is a permanent outdoor memorial to the 184 people killed in the building and on American Airlines Flight 77 on that Tuesday morning at 9:37am. Each inscribed memorial unit represent an individual victim who died in the terrorist attacks. All the memorial units that points to the Pentagon were the victims on Flight 77 on its direct path that hit the building, and all the memorial units that points away were the victims in the Pentagon. The youngest victim was born in 1998, at the age of only 3. It's a well thoughtful memorial for the victims who lost their lives on that 9/11. Parking is a total pain, as you have to park away from the Pentagon. I had to park at a local mall and walk a very long distance to visit this memorial. They do have a drop-off location, but that doesn't do you any good if you're the driver. I understand that security is very important, so the guards are very strict when it comes to taking photos of the memorial if your camera is facing towards the Pentagon building. As for the memorial; I really do like it, but I wish I had an opportunity to visit it at night. I wish it was more friendly to the public. It's actually an inconvenience if you're from out of town and you want to visit this memorial. You really have to spend a lot of time getting there to visit a pretty small memorial. Other than that, I'm really glad there is a memorial now for the Pentagon victims who died on September 11th, 2001. read more
You can not help but feel the honor and respect the designers poured from their hearts into the memorial. There are stone "benches" that have a wing profile, each with a water feature underneath. Each lists the names of a victim of the terrorist attack. Each bench is in line of the year of birth marked on the surroundings wall. It is another beautiful memorial of the many located in DC. read more
This memorial is pretty easy to get to. From the yellow line of the metro, take the Pentagon stop. Once you come back up to ground level you will have to walk to the other side of the pentagon. It was only about a 5-10 min walk. The memorial was beautifully done with amazing symbolism. Each statue represents one of the lives lost. If the statue is going towards the pentagon, that represents that they were in the airplane, if it faces away, they were in the building. Each row represents the year that person was born. Below each statue is running water, with a light. I didn't see this memorial at night, but I expect it to be very powerful. While away from other DC attractions, I recommend finding time to go see this. This was a tragic event, almost all of us were alive to witness, I think it makes it that much more powerful. read more
4 years ago
7 years ago
They have fencing all around the memorial so it is inaccessible. There is a small area that you do have access to. The entire memorial is projected to open May 2020. read more
Beautiful, simple, haunting. I've been to Pentagon memorial after dark, and I highly recommend it. People are quiet and respectful at this memorial. The name engraved benches are aligned with American Airlines 77's flightpath and lit from beneath and suspended over water. They are poignant reminder of the tragic events that occurred almost a decade ago. The symbolism in this memorial is understated and tastefully explained as you walk around. I've heard it's much more crowded during the day and I know it's more crowded during major holidays, so I highly recommend going at night for a better experience. (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/M0pbr2BVfjOZAwg252umdQ?select=t9N3S9AVTXCpDu3M2QOdxQ) *Getting there* Easy to get to from the Pentagon metro walking, or I think you can park late after hours (not sure how official that is). Just don't trust your GPS to get you out of the parking lot easily since half of the exits are security clearance vehicles only. Pentagon security = not fun. Open 24-7. *Side note* Special props to Arlington County Fire Department (ACFD) for being an excellent example of what emergency response planning should be. Being on the scene two minutes after the attack and setting up an incident command system? Setting up a shuttle to Texas to get victims to the US' premiere burn center? The FBI being on the ground in minutes, not hours? My city management emergency management classes always gave them props and so shall I. Thank you ACFD. read more
9 years ago
Visited with some out of town guests and although I have been to the memorial a few times, it still gives me the chills every time I come back. The thought behind the memorial is magnificent, truly a place to come to to reflect, remember, and also appreciate what you have. It's heartbreaking to imagine all the people that lost their lives so tragically, but they will never be forgotten! This memorial is a great way to honor their lives. Do take the time to analyze all the details that went behind the memorial. Easy to access from the Pentagon City Mall, I would recommend parking there, and following the signs through the tunnel. read more
I read up on this memorial before I went, so I understood some of the thought behind the design process and the symbolism built into it, and I really wanted to like it... but the memorial left me feeling a little underwhelmed. It seemed to me that the whole monotone landscape was just an extension of the already drab and depressing Pentagon complex. While I liked the idea of quiet reflection seated among the sea of benches, with the subtle trickling of the water beneath, all I really wanted to do the minute I got there was get the heck out! Being that close to the Pentagon just makes me uneasy, with all the cameras and security, and the memorial doesn't give much of a welcoming vibe. I think that more shade trees would be nice (several of the young trees had already died, which didn't help the mood!), so it wouldn't be so stark. Maybe in a few years, when the landscaping has had a chance to take root, it will look a little less sterile. Also, I couldn't help but notice that several of the pools under the benches already had algae growing in them - it seems to me that keeping those clean will require a lot of maintenance, and they won't look very good all grimy and full of goo. I went on a Sunday afternoon in September. Despite beautiful, sunny weather, there were relatively few people there. I think the fact that it is a short walk from either Pentagon or Pentagon Row metro stops and a little off the beaten path keeps it from getting the same number of visitors as some of the more accessible memorials. We actually drove there, and although I'd heard that parking was unavailable on-site, we just followed the signs for the 9/11 Memorial off of VA-110 and parked right in the lot by it (along with a fair number of other people, from the looks of it). We only left the car parked for about 15 minutes, but were not hassled by any of the very visible security officers. read more
It was my first time coming to the pentagon and seeing this memorial. Just walking through, i was reliving the day in my head. I haven't been to the other 9/11 memorials, but I hear they are fantastic and have a lot of information regarding the day. I was a little disappointed at the amount of details that were lacking and the memorial itself could have been more. They do have a 12 minute phone description of the memorial, and it's meaning. I was looking for more memorabilia, pictures, artifacts, etc. The design is neat but I was looking for more. read more
8 years ago
13 years ago
Despite being about a block away from my apartment, I never visited the Pentagon Memorial until yesterday's anniversary of 9/11. It is a beautiful and touching memorial and I highly recommend visiting it. The memorial is extremely well-designed and a wonderful tribute to those who lost their lives on 9/11. I suggest reading about the memorial online beforehand or listening to the audio tour because there are so many details that can easily be overlooked, such as the number of inches the age wall rises or that the name on the bench can be read while seeing the Pentagon in the background for those individuals who were in the Pentagon when the attack occurred or that it faces the plane's path for those who were on Flight 77. On 9/11 they hang a flag from the roof of the Pentagon the drapes down the side of the building. I didn't realize until I arrived there and saw everyone waiting that exactly at sunset they start to roll it back up. While you can't take pictures in the rest of the Pentagon Reservation, photos are allowed while in the Memorial. The memorial is very serene and despite a large number of people visiting, it was quiet and you could hear the gravel crunching under people's feet as they walked around and the trickle of water from the water that flows under the benches. read more
9 years ago
Beautiful memorial. 1) The memorial is very unique. 2) If you visit the Pentagon or around the area. Give a quick visit. 3) It is a must see. read more
Hauntingly beautiful and bittersweet. July 3rd, 2011, we visited the memorials for the first time with family form out of town. The sun was setting and the D.C. area was recovering from the severe thunderstorm. The night sky was a mixture of stray rain clouds with a stunning sunset attempting to make a last minute break through. The silhouette of the darkened trees illuminated the memorial with a neon yellow-green glow from water that rests below numerous memorial benches. The benches represent the trajectory of an airplane and the side views give the appearance of an airplane wing. Peering into the water's edge, you can see the names of victims that lost their lives on this site. The Pentagon at night appears grey and melancholy giving the memorial a more appropriate, somber tone. If you plan to make a trip, it's less crowded in the evening and a possible reprieve from the oppressive D.C. humidity. The eve of July 4th (and just shy of the 10-year 9.11 anniversary )was an appropriate time to reflect on America's history. I felt like I was paying respect to those who've died, those who have fought to keep us safe and people that have worked diligently to provide us the rights we have today. On the way out, reality of post-9/11 hit home. A man took a photo of the night sky and was briefly detained by a cop on patrol. The photographer was just outside the grounds of the memorial and the cop demanded to review the man's photo. In all fairness, you are only permitted to take pictures from within the memorial. The man could have had the exact same picture a few feet away. Shortly before writing this review, a man in D.C. was detained for a similar situation and sued the police dept for being detained for 30-mins. It's not against the law to take pictures. Had the Pentagon Memorial tourist taken the photo with a zoom lens from 4 feet away from inside the memorial, would he still have been detained? I left the memorial with so much irony following me home that night. People have died to give us many freedoms and the 9.11 victims were killed by people who hate all America stands for. While freedom is not free, what is the price we pay when we sit idly as our freedoms are being taken away. 10 years ago I watched the smoke from my balcony and I feel like things are still settling down. Is this memorial for you? Depends. The Pentagon is an office building with approximately 26,000 employees. Mix that in with D.C. traffic and you have a recipe for a tension headache. Night-time post-rushhour is quiet. The memorial itself is beautiful, but I wish that this memorial was located somewhere that didn't feel so militant. I didn't feel like I was free to reflect and pay my respects in peace. On the other hand, this is where it happened and there is no better place to pay your respects or to make a deeper connection from the events that took place 10 years ago. Ultimately, the decision is yours. read more
7 years ago
Most of the memorial is closed and fenced off. Don't drive, take the metro. There are bathrooms right next to the part that is open. read more
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