Remembering 9/11: From Ground Zero to Abbey Gate
Twenty-five years later, we continue to remember the 2,977 innocent lives lost in the attacks, the more than 7,000 U.S. service members who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Global War on Terror, and the first responders who still face lasting health complications because of their heroic service.
Artifacts That Bear Witness
These are just some of the powerful artifacts featured in the Museum’s 9/11 focus exhibit, Remembering 9/11: From Ground Zero to Abbey Gate. Together, they preserve the physical and human impact of September 11, 2001, and the decades of service and sacrifice that followed.
A steel truss recovered from the World Trade Center was gifted to the Museum’s collection by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
Nearby, a limestone fragment from the Pentagon serves as another enduring witness. Recovered directly from the impact zone, this limestone fragment formed part of the building’s western exterior wall. Bearing distinct scorch marks from the disaster, it stands as a solemn testament to the 184 lives lost at the Pentagon and the immediate devastation of that morning.
The Flag Unfurled — 12 September 2001
Just 24 hours after American Airlines Flight 77 struck the Pentagon, military personnel and civilian first responders unfurled a massive garrison American flag across the scarred western façade.
Draped directly over the damaged limestone and rubble, the flag transformed a site of tragedy into an enduring symbol of national defiance, unity, and military resilience. As part of the special 25th anniversary exhibition—Remembering 9/11: Ground Zero to Abbey Gate—this artifact and historic imagery honor the service, sacrifice, and steadfast resolve of our nation’s service members and first responders throughout the Global War on Terrorism.
These artifacts are more than pieces of steel and stone. They represent lives lost, courage displayed, and a nation forever changed.
Join Us for the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
On September 11, 2026, the Airborne & Special Operations Museum Foundation will commemorate the 25th anniversary of the attacks with a special Remembrance Ceremony beginning at 8:30 a.m.
The ceremony will honor the victims of September 11, the first responders who answered the call, and the generations of service members who served in the wars that followed.
The event will also mark the official opening of the Field of Honor, where hundreds of American flags will stand in tribute to service members, veterans, first responders, and loved ones.
Following the ceremony, guests will be invited to walk through the Field of Honor and visit the Museum’s 9/11 focus exhibit.
Join us as we remember, reflect, and honor.
