9/11 + 7: Remembering Those Lost at the Pentagon with an Inspiring Memorial

Just over two years ago CACI Chairman of the Board Dr. J.P. (Jack) London joined other invited guests and family members of victims in a solemn groundbreaking ceremony for the Pentagon Memorial, led by Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld.

Now, through the support of countless individuals and companies the memorial is a reality, opening this September 11 for those who live and work in the Washington area and for visitors from across America and around the world. Commemorating the 184 innocent lives lost on September 11, 2001 when terrorists flew American Airlines Flight 77 into the Pentagon, the memorial is a place of remembrance for those who died. Its creation will hopefully offer some comfort to the victims' families and serve as a place of hope and renewal for future generations.

It has been seven years since that terrible day in 2001 when our nation was attacked and our world was changed forever. The Twin Towers collapsed in fire and dust, and 2752 people never made it home that day. And 40 more souls were lost as passengers on United Airlines Flight 93 rallied to the cry, "Let's roll!" to prevent even more carnage in Washington, as their plane made a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania a place where courage was redefined.

At CACI, we are very proud that we were one of the first corporations to contribute to the Pentagon Memorial Fund when it was established in 2003. CACI has been consistent and reliable with our support, and the fund's founders, including Fund President James J. Laychak – whose brother was killed in the attack – have conveyed their deep gratitude for our ongoing help.

If you have a chance to visit our nation's capital, please take the time to go and see this remarkable site, located near the spot where Flight 77 hit the Pentagon. Architect Keith Kaseman, who designed the memorial with his partner, Julie Beckman, emphasized the need for a personal visit when he said, "This site holds a special level of intensity. You can't get the whole picture of what happened until you come here."

So walk the quiet grounds between the 184 gently curving benches, each commemorating someone whose life was cut short. Read the names of the victims. And think about how much we all lost on September 11.

The dedication of the Pentagon Memorial is an event that inspires us at CACI to rededicate ourselves to serving our clients with unyielding honesty and integrity, to being a national asset for national security, and to always supporting initiatives to counter global terrorism.

Paul Cofoni