AUGUST 25, 2026 – To commemorate the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, the National Museum of the United States Army will debut Steel and Stone: Engineering the Response to 9/11 on August 28. The special exhibition recounts the U.S. Army’s role in the response and recovery efforts that followed the attacks on New York City, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
Through personal accounts and powerful artifacts, the exhibition highlights how U.S. Army engineers responded with speed and determination amid chaos and devastation. Historical documentation, engineering plans, photographs, and recovered artifacts showcase the Army Corps of Engineers’ critical role in the recovery efforts at Ground Zero in New York City and at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.
Among the exhibition’s most significant artifacts is the massive U.S. flag that was unfurled over the Pentagon’s damaged west wall the day after the attacks, serving as a powerful symbol of resilience and national unity. Now folded, the flag still bears soot stains from where it rubbed against the building. This U.S. Army artifact will be on special display in the Museum lobby, August 28 – September 11, before moving to join the Steel and Stone exhibit on the Museum’s third floor on September 12.
Members of the press are invited to participate in an in-person media day at the Museum on August 27, 10 a.m. – noon, to preview the exhibit.
Subject matter experts available for interview:
- Mr. Paul Morando, Director, The National Museum of the United States Army
- Dr. John Lonnquest, Ph.D. Chief, Office of History, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who assisted in developing the Steel and Stone exhibit
In further recognition of the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Museum visitors will also have the opportunity to participate in commemorative programs including creating paper flowers for a remembrance display and visiting the outdoor 9/11 Memorial featuring three large stones from the Pentagon on permanent display in Warriors’ Plaza.
In conjunction with the exhibition, The Army Historical Foundation will host a 25th Anniversary of 9/11 Honor Walk on September 11–13, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the Museum’s campus. The free outdoor experience invites visitors to pause, reflect and honor the lives lost, the courage of first responders, and the service and sacrifice that followed.
Visitors can also see and experience additional 9/11 artifacts and Soldier Stories shared in the Museum’s permanent Changing World Gallery, which chronicles the chapter of Army service that followed September 11, 2001.
The Museum is open to the public daily from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and these activities are included in the Museum’s FREE admission. To learn more about how the Museum is commemorating the 25th anniversary of 9/11, visit www.thenmusa.org/remembering-9-11/.
About the National Museum of the United States Army
The National Museum of the United States Army provides the only comprehensive portrayal of Army history and traditions through the eyes of the American Soldier. By preserving, interpreting, and exhibiting invaluable artifacts, the National Army Museum creates learning opportunities for all visitors and bonds the American people to their oldest military service. We are America’s Army Museum. The U.S. Army owns and operates the Museum. The Army Historical Foundation continues its fundraising role in support of the Museum and manages all retail, catering, and special events. For more information on the National Museum of the United States Army, visit www.theNMUSA.org.
About The Army Historical Foundation
The Army Historical Foundation establishes, assists, and promotes programs and projects that preserve the history of the American Soldier and promote public understanding of and appreciation for the contributions by all components of the U.S. Army and its members. The Foundation serves as the Army’s official fundraising entity for the Capital Campaign for the National Museum of the United States Army. The award-winning, LEED-certified Museum opened on November 11, 2020, at Fort Belvoir, Va., and honors the service and sacrifice of all American Soldiers who have served since the Army’s inception in 1775. For more information on the Foundation and the National Museum of the United States Army, visit www.armyhistory.org.