Secretary of the Navy Gordon R. England will host a ceremony on Monday, Dec. 17, in the Pentagon Center Courtyard to honor sailors, Marines and civilians who distinguished themselves in the aftermath of the Sept. 11th attack on the Pentagon. A pre-ceremony concert by the Navy band will start at 8:40 a.m., and the ceremony will start at 9 a.m.
Secretary England will present awards to 85 sailors, Marines and Department of the Navy civilians. The awards will include the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, one of the highest awards presented to sailors and Marines for heroism, the Purple Heart, and the Defense of Freedom Medal.
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Vern Clark and the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Michael J. Williams will also be on hand to present awards and recognize these Pentagon heroes.
Interested media needing assistance with access to the Pentagon should contact the Navy's Office of Information at (703) 692-6704.