Pentagon Memorial, Memorial monument in Arlington, United States
The Pentagon Memorial is a public memorial in Arlington County, Virginia, that displays 184 illuminated benches across roughly two acres of landscaped grounds with flowing water and scattered maple trees. The benches are placed in a specific arrangement that guides visitors through the space while creating moments of pause.
The memorial opened in 2008 to honor those who died during the September 11, 2001 attacks at the Pentagon and aboard American Airlines Flight 77. The design emerged from a public selection process that took several years to complete.
Each bench is oriented to show whether the victim was on the aircraft or inside the building, while the names are engraved facing the sky. The arrangement connects personal stories with a shared moment spanning different ages.
Access is through the Pentagon Metro station on the Yellow or Blue Line, with the grounds open daily from 7 AM to 10 PM. Visitors can move freely among the benches and should bring comfortable shoes for the paved pathways.
Each bench contains a shallow pool of water that glows from within after dark and reflects softly. The benches facing the Pentagon represent those who were inside the building, while the opposite orientation marks the aircraft.
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