Patriot Day Ceremony Washington DC 2026: Pentagon Guide
The 2026 Patriot Day ceremony at the Pentagon marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. The observance begins at 9:00 a.m. ET on Friday, September 11, 2026, with a wreath-laying ceremony at 10:25 a.m. President Donald Trump is scheduled to attend and deliver remarks honoring the 184 victims killed at the Pentagon.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | 25th Anniversary 9/11 Observance Ceremony at the Pentagon |
| Date | Friday, September 11, 2026 |
| Time | 9:00 a.m. ET (ceremony start); 6:46 a.m. (flag unfurling); 9:37 a.m. (moment of silence); 10:25 a.m. (wreath-laying) |
| Location | The Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia |
| Public Access | The ceremony is a private event with limited attendance; the Pentagon Memorial is open to the public |
| Official Agency | U.S. Department of Defense; Office of the Secretary of Defense |
| Updated For | September 11, 2026 (25th anniversary) |
What Is Patriot Day?
Patriot Day is the official United States observance held annually on September 11 to honor the victims of the 2001 terrorist attacks. President Donald Trump issued a proclamation marking September 11, 2026, as “Patriot Day 2026,” recounting the events of that day and reaffirming the nation’s commitment to remembering the nearly 3,000 lives lost.
The day is not a federal holiday. Federal offices remain open, but flags are flown at half-staff at the White House and all federal buildings. Americans are encouraged to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. ET, the time the first plane struck the World Trade Center’s North Tower.
Why Patriot Day Matters
Patriot Day ensures the nation never forgets the largest terrorist attack on American soil. The observance honors the 2,977 victims killed at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and aboard Flight 93, as well as the first responders who died in rescue operations and survivors who have since died from 9/11-related illnesses.
For veterans, active duty service members, and military families, Patriot Day carries additional significance. The Pentagon attack targeted the heart of American military leadership. The 184 people killed at the Pentagon included military personnel, civilian employees, and contractors. The ceremony serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the armed forces community in the two decades of conflict that followed.
Pentagon 25th Anniversary Ceremony Details
The Pentagon observance ceremony is the primary federal event for the 25th anniversary. President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump attended the ceremony, joined by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, and other senior defense officials.
Event Timeline
| Time (ET) | Event |
|---|---|
| 6:46 a.m. | American flag unfurled on the Pentagon’s west side |
| 9:00 a.m. | Observance ceremony begins |
| 9:37 a.m. | Moment of silence (time Flight 77 struck the Pentagon) |
| 10:25 a.m. | Wreath-laying ceremony |
| Remarks | President Trump delivers commemorative address |
The tradition of unfurling a massive American flag on the Pentagon’s west side began on September 12, 2001, when first responders and soldiers displayed the flag over the damaged section of the building. The 2026 ceremony continued this tradition at sunrise, despite rain in the Washington area.
Ceremony Location
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Check EligibilityThe Pentagon ceremony takes place at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, just across the Potomac River from Washington, DC. The building’s west side—the section struck by hijacked American Airlines Flight 77—is the focal point of the commemoration.
How to Attend or Watch the 2026 Ceremony
The Pentagon observance is a private, invitation-only event with limited public attendance. Family members of the 184 Pentagon victims, Pentagon survivors, senior military officials, and invited guests comprise the primary attendee list.
Public Viewing Options
Livestream coverage: Major news networks provided live coverage of the ceremony. CBS News, CNN, and other outlets streamed the event online and through their mobile apps.
DC Government Ceremony: Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Council of the District of Columbia hosted a separate public commemoration at 11:00 a.m. on September 11 at DC Fire and EMS Engine 16, located at 1018 13th Street NW. This ceremony honored District residents, DC Public Schools teachers and students, and National Geographic Society members lost in the attacks. The event was livestreamed at mayor.dc.gov/live and on Mayor Bowser’s social media channels.
Visiting the Pentagon Memorial
The National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial is open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with no reservation required. The memorial honors the 184 lives lost at the Pentagon. Special tributes, including wreaths from Gold Star families, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and flight attendant groups, were placed at the memorial in the days before the anniversary.
Pentagon Memorial Visitor Information
Visitors to the Pentagon Memorial should plan for limited parking and heightened security, especially around September 11. The memorial is located on the north side of the Pentagon complex, accessible from Washington Boulevard (Route 27).
Parking Near the Pentagon Memorial
| Option | Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pentagon Memorial Visitor Lot | Adjacent | Free; small lot; fills quickly on weekends and around 9/11 |
| Pentagon City Mall Garage | 10–15 min walk | 1100 South Hayes Street; covered; consistent availability |
| Crystal City Garages | 15–20 min walk | Additional public options; rates vary |
Important: Do not attempt to enter other Pentagon parking areas. Those lots require Department of Defense credentials, and security will turn away unauthorized vehicles.
Taking Metro to the Pentagon
The Pentagon Metro station (Blue/Yellow Line) is directly adjacent to the Pentagon complex. From the station, the Pentagon Memorial is about a 5-minute walk following posted signs.
From DC Metro Center: About 12 minutes on Blue or Yellow Line
From Reagan National Airport: One stop north—about 4 minutes
From King Street/Old Town Alexandria: About 10 minutes north
The Metro is the recommended option for most visitors, as it eliminates parking uncertainty and drops visitors near the memorial entrance.
Nationwide Commemorations
The 25th anniversary included major ceremonies at all three attack sites. Vice President JD Vance attended the New York observance at Ground Zero alongside former Presidents Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Joe Biden. Other administration officials attended the ceremony in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where Flight 93 crashed.
New York City Ceremony
The National September 11 Memorial and Museum commemoration began at 8:40 a.m. ET at Ground Zero in Lower Manhattan. Family members read the names of all 2,983 victims. Six moments of silence were observed for the times each tower was struck and fell, the Pentagon was attacked, and Flight 93 crashed. A seventh moment of silence was added this year to honor the thousands who have died from 9/11-related illnesses.
Security in Lower Manhattan was extensive, with the NYPD deploying its largest police presence in recent years. Street closures began at 6:00 a.m., with no vehicle traffic south of Canal Street to Battery Place. The Secret Service installed fencing along the West Side Highway and around the memorial perimeter.
Shanksville, Pennsylvania
A ceremony at the Flight 93 National Memorial honored the 40 passengers and crew who died when United Airlines Flight 93 crashed in a field near Shanksville. The passengers and crew fought back against the hijackers, preventing the plane from reaching its intended target in Washington.
Key Facts About the Pentagon Attack
On September 11, 2001, al-Qaida militants hijacked four commercial airplanes. At 9:37 a.m. ET, American Airlines Flight 77 struck the Pentagon’s west side, killing 184 people—59 passengers and crew aboard the plane, and 125 military and civilian personnel inside the building.
Pentagon Attack Casualties
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Total killed at Pentagon | 184 |
| Aboard Flight 77 | 59 |
| In the Pentagon building | 125 |
The attack on the Pentagon targeted the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense and the nerve center of American military operations. The building was repaired and restored, and the Pentagon Memorial opened in 2008 to honor those lost.
Common Questions
What time is the Pentagon 9/11 ceremony in 2026?
The Pentagon observance ceremony began at 9:00 a.m. ET on Friday, September 11, 2026. A moment of silence was observed at 9:37 a.m., the exact time Flight 77 struck the building. The wreath-laying ceremony was scheduled for 10:25 a.m..
Can the public attend the Pentagon 9/11 ceremony?
No. The Pentagon observance is a private, invitation-only event. Family members of victims, survivors, and senior officials comprise the guest list. The public can watch via livestream on major news networks or attend the separate DC government ceremony at 11:00 a.m. at DC Fire and EMS Engine 16.
How do I visit the Pentagon Memorial?
The National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial is open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with no reservation required. It is located on the north side of the Pentagon, accessible from Washington Boulevard (Route 27). Limited free parking is available in the memorial visitor lot.
Where can I park near the Pentagon Memorial?
The Pentagon Memorial visitor lot is free but small and fills quickly. Alternative options include the Pentagon City Mall garage (1100 South Hayes Street), about a 10–15 minute walk, or Crystal City garages (15–20 minute walk). Do not enter other Pentagon lots—they require DOD credentials.
What is the best way to get to the Pentagon on 9/11?
The Metro is the recommended option. The Pentagon station on the Blue/Yellow Line is directly adjacent to the complex, and the memorial is a 5-minute walk. From DC Metro Center, the trip takes about 12 minutes. Driving and parking are difficult due to security restrictions.
Was there a moment of silence at the Pentagon in 2026?
Yes. A moment of silence was observed at 9:37 a.m. ET on September 11, 2026, marking the exact time American Airlines Flight 77 struck the Pentagon 25 years earlier. A bell tolled between each name read during the ceremony.
Did President Trump speak at the Pentagon ceremony?
Yes. President Donald Trump delivered remarks at the Pentagon observance, recounting stories of victims and stating, “We will never, ever forget. That’s why we fight today. We don’t have a choice”.
What is Patriot Day?
Patriot Day is the annual U.S. observance on September 11 honoring the victims of the 2001 terrorist attacks. President Trump issued a proclamation designating September 11, 2026, as “Patriot Day 2026.” Flags are flown at half-staff at federal buildings, and Americans are encouraged to observe a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. ET.
How many people died at the Pentagon on 9/11?
184 people were killed at the Pentagon: 59 passengers and crew aboard American Airlines Flight 77, and 125 military and civilian personnel inside the building. The names of all 184 victims were read aloud during the 2026 ceremony.
Where did the former presidents attend the 9/11 ceremony in 2026?
All four living former presidents—Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Joe Biden—attended the ceremony at Ground Zero in New York City. Vice President JD Vance also attended the New York observance. President Trump attended the Pentagon ceremony.
Key Takeaways
The 2026 Patriot Day ceremony at the Pentagon marked the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, honoring the 184 victims killed when Flight 77 struck the building.
The ceremony began at 9:00 a.m. ET with a moment of silence at 9:37 a.m. and a wreath-laying at 10:25 a.m..
President Trump attended and delivered remarks at the Pentagon, while Vice President Vance and former presidents attended the Ground Zero ceremony in New York.
The Pentagon ceremony is private, but the Pentagon Memorial is open to the public 24/7 with no reservation required.
Metro is the best transportation option for visiting the Pentagon Memorial—the Pentagon station is a 5-minute walk from the memorial.
DC Mayor Bowser hosted a separate public ceremony at 11:00 a.m. at DC Fire and EMS Engine 16, honoring District residents and first responders.
A seventh moment of silence was added in New York to honor the thousands who have died from 9/11-related illnesses since the attacks.
Official Resources
U.S. Department of Defense — defense.gov — Official Pentagon information and ceremony announcements
National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial — pentagonmemorial.org — Memorial visitor information
District of Columbia Government — dc.gov — DC commemoration events and livestream
National September 11 Memorial & Museum — 911memorial.org — New York ceremony information
Flight 93 National Memorial — nps.gov/flni — Shanksville ceremony details
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