Earlier today, President Bush dedicated the newly constructed Pentagon Memorial in honor of the 184 people who died there when hijackers drove a jetliner into the western side of the Pentagon. "Seven years ago today, a doomed jet fell from the sky, split the rock of this building and changed our world forever," Bush said.
At the beginning of the ceremony, eight rescue workers, who were amongst the first respondents to the attack stood at attention on the roof of the Pentagon as a bugler played taps. In response to the musical tribute, a bagpiper began rendering "Amazing Grace" while walking between the parallel rows of 184 benches, which were all veiled by a blue cloth decorated with a small American flag.
The benches serve as the nation's first major September 11 rememberance site. Each was uncovered by a white-gloved troop from every military branch of service, following Bush's speech. Each bench is made of stainless steel and has been engraved with the name of one victim.
According to reports, there were approximately 20,000 people at the opening ceremony, including mourners, uniformed military, members of Congress, Supreme Court justices, and other dignitaries.
