National Park Service Honors Victims and Heroes of 9/11 with $4 Million for Memorials

News Release Date: September 10, 2026

WASHINGTON - The National Park Service today awarded a total of $4 million through the 9/11 Memorial Act Grant Program to support the operation, security and maintenance of the National September 11 Memorial in New York City and the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial in Arlington, Virginia.

Signed into law in 2019 by President Donald J. Trump, the 9/11 Memorial Act provides grants for the operation and maintenance of memorials commemorating the victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. This year, the National Park Service is awarding $2 million to the National September 11 Memorial and $2 million to the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial.

"Twenty-five years ago, our nation was tested like never before, and Americans responded with extraordinary courage, service and resolve," said Jessica Bowron, NPS Comptroller, exercising the delegated authority of the Director. "These grants will help preserve the memory of those killed on September 11 and support the memorials that honor their lives and legacy. The NPS is proud to help ensure these places are maintained for future generations to remember those who lost their lives, the first responders who ran toward danger to save others and the service members who defended our nation in the years that followed."

On the 25th anniversary of the attacks, the nation remembers and honors the nearly 3,000 people killed in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center, aboard the four hijacked aircraft and at the Pentagon.

Located at the World Trade Center site in New York City, the National September 11 Memorial honors the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks and the February 1993 World Trade Center bombing. The names of those who died in the attacks are inscribed on bronze panels surrounding the memorial's twin reflecting pools. The memorial also recognizes the hundreds of thousands of first responders, recovery workers, survivors and residents who were exposed to toxins in the aftermath of the attacks through the Memorial Glade, a pathway incorporating World Trade Center steel.

The National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial in Arlington, Virginia, honors the 184 people who lost their lives at the Pentagon and aboard American Airlines Flight 77 on September 11, 2001. The two-acre memorial features 184 memorial units, each dedicated to an individual victim.

Both memorials commemorate the victims of the September 11 attacks and demonstrate an enduring commitment to preserving their memory and honoring those who risked their lives to save others. The grants will support continued operations, maintenance and security at the memorials, helping ensure that visitors have places to learn, grieve, remember and reflect.

About the 9/11 Memorial Act Grant Program

As authorized and funded by Congress, the Secretary of the Interior may award competitive grants for the operation, security and maintenance of memorials commemorating the victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

Eligible memorials are required to provide free admission to active and retired members of the military, registered first responders to the September 11 attacks and family members of victims of the attacks. Eligible memorials must also provide free admission to the general public for at least one hour each calendar week.

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