Warner, Kaine, Commend Designation of 9/11 Pentagon Memorial as National Park Service Affiliated Area

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA), following reports today, commended the official designation of the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial as an affiliated area of the National Park System, a recognition that will help preserve the memory of the 184 people killed at the Pentagon and aboard American Airlines Flight 77 on September 11, 2001, and ensure their stories are passed down to future generations.

"The 9/11 Pentagon Memorial is a solemn tribute to each of the 184 individuals at the Pentagon and aboard Flight 77 who tragically died on September 11, 2001, standing as a lasting reminder of Americans' loss and resilience on one of our nation's darkest days," said the senators. "We're proud to support efforts that will preserve this memorial for generations to come and ensure that Americans always have a place to honor those we lost, remember their stories, and deepen their understanding of the enduring impact of September 11 on our nation."

Affiliated areas are nationally significant sites that preserve important cultural or natural resources but are typically owned and operated independently of the National Park Service. Through affiliation, the National Park Service can provide technical assistance and other support to help maintain these important sites. The 9/11 Pentagon Memorial becomes the 33^rdaffiliated area in the National Park System.

Warner and Kaine have long supported the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial and efforts to expand its educational mission, including the establishment of a Visitor Education Center that will tell the story of that day, and of how Americans responded, came together, and moved forward in the aftermath of the tragic September 11 attacks.

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