Private donations needed for Pentagon’s 9-11 memorial

Dick Benoit

Thursday, Aug. 14, 2003 | 9:18 a.m.

The campaign goal to raise $1 million for a Sept. 11 victims memorial at the Pentagon is hundreds of thousands of dollars short.

"Right now we're nowhere close," said Steve Kelly of the Volunteer Campaign Management Office for the Pentagon Memorial fund-raiser.

Although the campaign formally ended Aug. 8, Kelly said potential donors can still access the memorial's website (memorial.pentagon.mil.)

"Anyone can give," he said.

Over the next two years the Pentagon Memorial campaign is hoping to raise $20 million to cover the project's cost -- $10 million to $12 million for construction and the rest for maintenance.

The $1 million being raised this summer is needed so that engineers and architects at the Pentagon Renovation Program can begin the memorial's design and engineering phase. Defense Department officials plan to have the Pentagon Memorial completed by the spring of 2005.

The memorial will be built on nearly 2 acres on the Pentagon's west side along the path of American Airlines Flight 77 just before it hit the building.

Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld taped a message last month encouraging people to donate to the campaign.

"In the years ahead, millions of Americans will see this moving memorial and think back to what happened on Sept. 11," he said. "And they will remember our brave men and women in uniform who rose to the challenge in the months that followed. They will be reminded that our country cannot be free unless we are strong."

The Pentagon Memorial will be constructed entirely from private contributions. Rumsfeld said no tax dollars will be involved, "So we need volunteers to step up."

Off to the academies

This demanding, fast-paced orientation begins four years of preparation for commissioning as Naval or Marine Corps officers. During Plebe Summer, Poliquin will learn basic skills in seamanship, navigation, infantry drill, sailing and marksmanship.

At the academy Barrow will undergo four years of extensive study leading to a baccalaureate degree and have an opportunity to gain professional experience aboard Coast Guard vessels and at shore installations.

In brief

The three airmen studied the Air Force mission, organization, performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises, and special training in human relations.