Photographing Washington, D.C.: Digital Field Guide

Chapter 15. The Pentagon Memorial

The Pentagon Memorial at night. Taken at ISO 400, f/16, 25 seconds with a 65mm lens and a tripod.

Why It's Worth a Photograph

The Pentagon Memorial is a tribute to the victims of September 11, 2001, who were aboard hijacked American Airlines Flight 77 that was flown into the Pentagon by terrorists, and to the victims who were inside the Pentagon. These 184 people who perished are memorialized in an area adjacent to where the plane hit on the Pentagon's west side.

During the night the din of traffic and planes is reduced, and you can hear the sound of running water coming from each of the 184 benches changing constantly as you walk through the memorial. Those who died in the Pentagon have their names engraved on the benches in such a way that you see their names and the Pentagon in the same view, while the names of those on board American Airlines Flight 77 are engraved so that the viewer sees the sky.

Where Can I Get the Best Shot?

Photography is prohibited everywhere on the Pentagon Reservation except within the Pentagon Memorial grounds.

Within the memorial

The Pentagon Memorial is located next to the western wall of the Pentagon that was hit by Flight 77. The benches, designed to be sat on by visitors to give them time to reflect and think, are arranged by the birth dates of those who perished; the years are labeled on the area surrounding the benches ...