September 11, 2001
“When terrorists slammed into the Pentagon on September 11, they aimed at the heart of the nation’s defense, with a goal of weakening the United States and spreading great international uncertainty. The first response to this blow at the world’s only remaining superpower, and to the tragic aftermath, was led by the same people who respond to every emergency, large and small, every day—local government. At the Pentagon, this meant Arlington County, Virginia.”
Former Arlington County Manager Ron Carlee, remembrance speech on the anniversary of 9/11, Sept. 11, 2002, Charlie Clark Center for Local History
Honoring the Memory of Those Affected by the Attacks
Following 9/11, the Arlington community demonstrated remarkable resilience, compassion and determination. While the lives of those lost can never be restored, the tragedy inspired lasting lessons about unity, service and perseverance—both locally and nationally.
Supported by neighbors, businesses and people across the nation, Arlington emerged stronger—embracing growth and adapting to change while honoring the memory of those affected by the attacks.
Members of the Arlington County Fire Department pose with children in front of a mural created to thank them for their service. Photo credit Michael DeFina.
Charlie Clark Center for Local History, 133-0104
New Government Services Go Online
In the months after September 11, Fire Department Assistant Chief of Operations James Schwartz, the incident commander at the Pentagon terrorist attack, was appointed to head the County’s newly organized emergency management office.
The new office would better align Arlington for disaster preparedness and response in the future. James Schwartz later served as fire chief from 2004-2015 and was named Deputy County Manager for Public Safety and Technology in 2015 until his retirement in 2021.
Among his many achievements during Schwartz’s career was Arlington Alert, a new text and e-mail paging service for Arlington residents and employees. “Arlington Alert” sends alerts about local traffic, hazardous weather and major events.
In 2002, Arlington County Government created the Arlington Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) in response to 9/11.
CERT is a volunteer program that works with Arlington community members to prepare for and respond to emergencies. Volunteers receive free training in disaster preparedness, triage, first aid, fire suppression, disaster psychology, terrorism awareness and more.
A Community Comes Together
After 9/11, the Arlington community mourned, provided moral support and gave encouragement to the first responders.
Hundreds of calls came in on the information line, and public shrines appeared near the Pentagon. Starting the first night after the attack, homemade food was delivered to fire stations and other sites throughout the County. However, without proper food preparation methods, homemade food could not be safely consumed.
The Crystal City Sports Pub, located at 529, 23rd St. Arlington, VA 22202, was one of the many businesses donating food and supplies during the rescue and recovery efforts.
Late in the disaster response, County recreation centers were used to engage residents in structured activities such as sharing experiences and creating supportive messages for rescue workers and victims.
Firefighters and rescue workers clearing debris at the impact site of the Pentagon following the attack. Photo credit Michael DeFina.
Charlie Clark Center for Local History, 133-01-01-01-0013
Arlington Remembers
The Pentagon’s outer ring was rebuilt ahead of schedule and completed in August 2002, with broader renovations completed by 2011.
Each year, local communities, the Pentagon and federal government agencies remember the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and commemorate the tremendous efforts by local, state and federal agencies and first responders.
The crash sites in New York, Arlington and Shanksville are now a museum and national memorials.
As people who remember that day still struggle to make sense of the terrorist attacks, an increasing share of young Americans were not yet born or do not have memories of 9/11 itself. Now more than ever, it is important to keep this historic tragedy—and our unified response—in our collective memory.
Want to Learn More?
Visit the Charlie Clark Center for Local History to learn more about 9/11. The Center houses a diverse collection of oral histories, documents, photos and more related to the Pentagon terrorist attack.