WASHINGTON, D.C. – Continuing our September 11th coverage, he Pentagon was one of the three places attacked by terrorists. On the 22nd anniversary of the deadly attack, the Secretary of Defense and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff honor those who were killed.
In the early morning hours an American flag is draped over the Pentagon. It marks the spot where 22 years ago, 184 people including passengers and crew on American Airlines flight 77 and people at the Pentagon, were killed.
“Those terrorists wanted to destroy our country,” said Gen. Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. “But on that day and everyday since, the United States has demonstrated that we would never bow to fear and hatred.”
In a solemn ceremony, the Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin placed a wreath, flowers were placed on each unit at the Pentagon Memorial for each victim and songs were sang to honor them.
“September 11th reminds us that the American spirit still shines in times of testing,” said Secretary Austin.
September 11th is a day where America mourns those who were taken from us. Secretary Austin said we honor them by striving to be worthy of the memory of those we lost.
“September 11th made America a nation at war,” said Secretary Austin. “In hundreds of thousands stepped up to serve in uniform. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have come to a close. We remain relentlessly focused on combatting terrorist threats to America. We will always work to keep America safe and we will always, always remember.”
