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ACHP and NTHP Honor Pentagon Renovation Efforts Remarks by ACHP Chairman John L. Nau, III, at Pentagon Workers Appreciation Ceremony

For more information, contact Bruce Milhans at (202) 606-8513 or bmilhans@achp.gov

Pentagon Phoenix Project Workers Appreciation Ceremony
September 11, 2002
Remarks by John L. Nau, III
Chairman of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation

On September 11, 1941, construction commenced on a building that was to achieve great significance in American history and architecture: the Pentagon.

On September 11, 2001, this building and the people within it were tested by a terrorist attack whose goal was the destruction of stone, spirit, and life.

Out of this tragedy was born the Phoenix Project—an extraordinary effort in which the employees of the Department of Defense and hundreds of contractors and workers labored with inspiring dedication and skill to restore the Pentagon in a manner consistent with its status as a National Historic Landmark.

The reconstruction of the damaged wing, using materials, design, and craftsmanship that match the original, is only one part of the ongoing Pentagon Renovation Program, an exemplary effort by the Department of Defense to honor its proud past by preserving the building that is both a busy workplace and a world-famous symbol of the Nation.

Therefore, on September 11, 2002, it is with great pride, gratitude, and admiration that the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and the National Trust for Historic Preservation salute the Honorable Donald H. Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defense, the employees of the Department of Defense, and all the contractors and workers involved for their tireless labor and their steadfast commitment to the preservation of our rich heritage.

You have done the impossible. You have saved the irreplaceable. You have demonstrated the unconquerable spirit of America.

An independent Federal agency, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation promotes historic preservation nationally by providing a forum for influencing Federal activities, programs, and policies that impact historic properties by advising the President and Congress, advocating preservation policy, improving Federal preservation programs, protecting historic properties, and educating stakeholders and the public. ACHP is located in Washington, DC, with a field office in Colorado. For more information, visit ACHP's Web site at www.achp.gov.

News release: ACHP and NTHP Honor Pentagon Renovation Efforts

PDF version of ACHP-NTHP Citation to Pentagon Workers

High-resolution version of ACHP-NTHP Pentagon Award

Learn more about ACHP

Posted September 11, 2002

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