PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 23, 2008
Further Information
Jerry Mullins
202.355.6310
Media Release
Pentagon Memorial Construction Nears September Completion
May 23, 2008-(Arlington, VA) - Today family members, donors, supporters and representatives from the media were able to tour the Pentagon Memorial construction site and receive a fundraising and construction update from Pentagon Memorial Fund President James J. Laychak. The Memorial, which will be dedicated on September 11th, 2008, is on schedule for completion and will become the newest memorial in the Washington, D.C. area. The Pentagon Memorial will feature 184 cantilevered benches arranged by age lines that represent each victim who lost their life that day.
"Today I am proud to say the Pentagon Memorial will become a reality and we will dedicate this Memorial on September 11, 2008. All of us who lost family members are extremely grateful for the many corporations, foundations and individuals from across this country who have contributed to help us create this great Memorial," said Laychak.
Laychak reported that fundraising has been successful as well and the Pentagon Memorial Fund has raised close to $19 million of the $22 million required to fund the construction costs. Recent donors to the Pentagon Memorial Fund include: Ambassador and Mrs. Hushang Ansary, Chrysler LLC, Ford Motor Company Fund, AECOM, CSC, Adobe, Cisco and Intel.
"September 11, 2001, was a terrible tragedy for this country. Our hearts go out to all those who lost a loved one on that tragic day," said Chrysler LLC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bob Nardelli. "The men and women of the Pentagon, both military and civilian, along with the passengers on Flight 77, deserve to be honored for their sacrifice. Chrysler’s contribution to the Pentagon Memorial Fund will ensure that those lives are never forgotten."
"Ford Motor Company is proud to partner with the Pentagon in honoring the men and women whose lives were taken in the attack on 9/11," said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services. "This Memorial will stand as a testament to them and a reminder to us all that we should not forget that historic date."
"Computer Sciences Corporation is honored and grateful to be able to support this historic Memorial," said William T. Pedersen, vice president of the Navy/Marine Corps Systems Center. "CSC has pledged $100,000.00 and Jim Schaeffer, president of CSC’s Federal Sector, looks forward to providing Jim Laychak a check for that amount. On behalf of the 90 thousand CSC employees we are honored to be taking part in the construction of the Pentagon Memorial and honoring all of those who make sacrifices to keep our country safe."
The Pentagon Memorial is being built on a 1.9 acre parcel of land adjacent to the Pentagon and within view of the impact zone where American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the building during the attacks of September 11th, 2001. The Memorial will include 184 cantilevered benches that represent each victim who lost their life that day. The Pentagon Memorial will cost $22 million to construct and an endowment of $10 million will be created to maintain the Memorial forever. The Pentagon Memorial will be open to the public September 12th, 2008.
About the Pentagon Memorial Fund:
The Pentagon Memorial Fund is a non-profit organization established by the families of the 184 victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in Washington, DC. The Memorial Fund's mission is to provide for the construction and permanent maintenance of the Pentagon Memorial, a beautiful park located at the grounds of the attack that will provide a place for reflection, remembrance and renewal. For more information about the Pentagon Memorial, please visit www.pentagonmemorial.org.
Contact Jerry Mullins: 202.355.6310