Environmental Assessment of the Visitor Education Center (VEC) for the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial

ARLINGTON, VA – The Pentagon Memorial Fund (PMF) is pleased to announce a significant development in the creation of the Visitor Education Center (VEC) at the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial. The Department of the Army, in partnership with Army National Military Cemeteries (ANMC), has completed the Environmental Assessment (EA) and issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FNSI) for the proposed construction and operation of the VEC.

This approval represents a critical milestone for the PMF as we move forward with plans to build the VEC on the grounds of Arlington National Cemetery, adjacent to the Pentagon Memorial. The center will serve as a key educational resource for visitors, providing context and understanding of the events of September 11, 2001, and the sacrifices made in the aftermath.

The VEC will include interactive exhibits, a bookstore, a café, and event spaces designed to educate visitors about the tragic events of 9/11, the heroes who responded, and the lasting impact of the attack on national security and the country as a whole. With 900,000 projected visitors annually, the VEC will be an essential resource for those seeking to learn about and honor the 184 lives lost at the Pentagon.

The EA evaluated potential environmental impacts from the proposed project and confirmed that there would be no significant adverse effects. The analysis reviewed areas such as land use, air quality, cultural resources, and water resources. With the approval of the FNSI, the project can now move forward to the next stages of development.

The PMF has raised $16 million in private funding for the VEC and is seeking an additional $70 million in federal funding to complete the project. With support from both the public and private sectors, the PMF aims to have the VEC ready in time for the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks in 2026.

Sean T. Connaughton, Chairman and President of the Pentagon Memorial Fund, expressed his excitement for the project’s progress: “We’re grateful for the continued support from the Department of the Army and our partners in Arlington National Cemetery. This approval allows us to move one step closer to ensuring that the stories of those lost on 9/11 will be shared with future generations.”

The Visitor Education Center will not only provide a space for reflection but also become a place of learning and inspiration, ensuring that the legacy of 9/11 and the heroism shown at the Pentagon are never forgotten.

Pentagon Memorial Fund Contact:

Press Relations – Pentagon Memorial Fund
[email protected]
(202) 417-6590