WASHINGTON, Sept. 10, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- James J. Laychak, President of the Pentagon Memorial Fund, accepted the Congressional Gold Medal on behalf of the Pentagon Memorial today. The Pentagon Memorial, along with the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville, PA and the National 9/11 Memorial and Museum in New York received the medal honoring the men and women who perished as a result of the terrorist attacks that day. The Pentagon Memorial's medal will ultimately be on display at the Pentagon Visitor Education Center, which is set to open in 2018.
9/11 PENTAGON VISITOR EDUCATION CENTER (PRNewsFoto/Pentagon Memorial Fund)
9/11 PENTAGON VISITOR EDUCATION CENTER (PRNewsFoto/Pentagon Memorial Fund)
9/11 PENTAGON VISITOR EDUCATION CENTER (PRNewsFoto/Pentagon Memorial Fund)
9/11 PENTAGON VISITOR EDUCATION CENTER (PRNewsFoto/Pentagon Memorial Fund)
"Receiving this medal is an honor and a comfort for all of us connected with the events of September 11th. Knowing Congress took this exceptional step to once again demonstrate that this country will never forget the sacrifices that were made on that day is incredibly meaningful," said Laychak. "Having the medal on display inside the Pentagon Visitor Education Center is fitting since it is another opportunity for visitors of the Pentagon Memorial to remember, reflect and renew. To never forget."
The 9/11 Pentagon Visitor Education Center will be a place where visitors from around the world can learn about the events of September 11, 2001, the lives lost that day, and the historic significance of the Pentagon Memorial site. Content for the exhibits and education curricula will be provided through working collaborations with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, National Geographic, the Transportation Security Administration, the Federal Air Marshals, the Smithsonian Museum of American History, The Museum of Tolerance - New York, Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum, Tribute World Trade Center (WTC) Visitor Center, the National September 11 Memorial and Museum and the Flight 93 Memorial/National Park Service.
"Everyone in those hours, no matter their station – everyone stood their ground. Everyone kept their place. The professionals who did their duty, who ran in so others could run out. The patriots who banded together in the sky over Shanksville, to save this Capitol and these steps. The volunteers who raised their hands, said 'I'll go,' and fight overseas in perilous conditions. All of these stories of heroism need to be remembered and honored," said Speaker John Boehner.
Since the American Revolution, Congress has commissioned gold medals as its highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions. Each medal honors a particular individual, institution, or event. Past recipients include President George Washington, General Douglas MacArthur, Sir Winston Churchill, Pope John Paul II and His Excellency Nelson Mandela.
About the Pentagon Memorial Fund: The Pentagon Memorial Fund is a non-profit organization established by the families of the 184 victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in Washington, DC. The Memorial Fund's mission is to provide for the construction and permanent maintenance of the Pentagon Memorial and Pentagon Visitor Education Center. The Pentagon Memorial is a place for reflection, remembrance and renewal. For more information about the Pentagon Memorial, please visit www.pentagonmemorial.org.
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