At a solemn ceremony at the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial today, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III honored the 184 lives lost during the 2001 terrorist attack on the Pentagon. Reflecting on the significance of the location, Austin emphasized, “We don’t just work near a memorial. We work in a memorial,” underscoring the sense of purpose carried daily by those at the Pentagon.
Joined by family members of the victims and Defense Department personnel, Austin reiterated the nation’s resilience in the face of terror, stating, “This department does not just defend our country and our citizens, it also defends America’s founding values of democracy, freedom, and liberty.”
He also highlighted the commitment of today’s military, noting that only 6% of active troops served on 9/11, and 21% were born after the attacks. Austin paid tribute to both veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the families of the fallen, expressing gratitude for their enduring strength.
Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, reflected on the bravery shown on that tragic day, recalling how Pentagon personnel ran toward danger to save others. “Today’s gathering acknowledges the heroes of 9/11 and honors the family members who have borne the deepest loss,” Brown said.–News Desk