Remembering September 11 | September 11 | Mike Lynaugh Photography

A night photograph of the Lower Manhattan skyline featuring two bright blue beams of light projecting vertically into the sky to represent the Twin Towers

Captured Easter Sunday, March 31, 2002 looking across the Hudson River toward Lower Manhattan, this night photograph documents the powerful Tribute in Light installation shining into the clouds above the New York skyline. Featuring twin columns of light produced by 88 high-powered xenon searchlights positioned to echo the World Trade Center towers, the illuminated memorial stands as a silent beacon of remembrance for the lives lost on September 11, framed by the illuminated office windows of the World Financial Center and surrounding financial district. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

An emotional photograph of actor Joe Mantegna hugging retired FDNY Captain John Vigiano from behind on stage during the 2002 National Memorial Day Concert.

Photographed on May 26, 2002, Tony Award-winning actor Joe Mantegna embraces retired FDNY Captain John Vigiano on stage during the live broadcast of PBS’s 2002 National Memorial Day Concert at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. The emotional moment followed Mantegna reading Vigiano's heartbreaking story honoring his two sons—FDNY Firefighter John Vigiano II and NYPD Detective Joseph Vigiano—who were both killed in the line of duty at Ground Zero on September 11, 2001. The performance was part of the nation's tribute to the fallen heroes and first responders of 9/11. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and General Richard Myers placing a floral wreath on a stand next to an Army honor guard guard and a granite headstone listing 9/11 victims

Photographed up close on September 11, 2004, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Richard Myers place a ceremonial wreath onto a stand beside an honor guard sergeant in Section 64 of Arlington National Cemetery. Standing adjacent to the granite memorial marker bearing the inscribed names of the 184 victims of the Pentagon attack, the leaders paid tribute during a solemn three-year anniversary observance while a military bugler stood in the distance. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

A night long-exposure photograph of the illuminated Jefferson Memorial across the Tidal Basin with crowds holding candles on the marble steps

Photographed across the Tidal Basin on September 11, 2002, this long-exposure night photo captures hundreds of flickering candles gathered on the steps of the illuminated Thomas Jefferson Memorial. Held on the one-year anniversary of the September 11 attacks, the evening candlelight vigil brought citizens together in Washington, D.C., to honor victims, offer silent prayers, and reflect beneath the statue of Thomas Jefferson. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

A wide view at sunset of a timber-supported chain-link memorial fence filled with flags, shirts, and tributes, set against rolling green hills with several people walking nearby in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Photographed in the warm evening light on September 12, 2004, a wide perspective captures the full timber-supported structure of the temporary memorial fence in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Set against the rolling green hills of Somerset County, the chain-link barrier is filled with shirts, turnout coats, hats, and flags left by people from across the globe. Prominently flying along the top are several full-sized flags—including the U.S. flag, state flags, and Flight 93 commemorative banners—as visitors quietly walk along the perimeter during the third-anniversary observances. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

A vertical night photograph of two tall blue light beams projecting into the sky behind illuminated skyscrapers along the Lower Manhattan waterfront

Captured on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2002, this vertical night photograph captures the Tribute in Light memorial illumination soaring above Lower Manhattan. Taken from across the Hudson River during the installation's inaugural 33-night run, the twin blue light beams rise directly behind the illuminated towers of the World Financial Center, creating a striking vertical memorial against the dark night sky. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

A full vertical view of the large American flag draped down the stone wall of the Pentagon above President George W. Bush and Secretary Donald Rumsfeld standing on stage

Photographed on September 11, 2002, President George W. Bush and Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld stand at attention on stage beneath the original 30-by-60-foot garrison flag draped from the roof of the Pentagon. First unfurled by military personnel and first responders on September 12, 2001, following the terrorist attack, the iconic flag was unfurled again in the exact same position over the fully reconstructed facade during the "United in Freedom" one-year anniversary ceremony. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

A close-up photo of Kelly Clarkson singing into a microphone with hand on her stomach standing in front of state flags

Photographed on September 11, 2002, singer Kelly Clarkson sings into a microphone during a performance at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. Taking place exactly one week after her victory on the inaugural season of American Idol on September 4, 2002, this close-up action shot captures Clarkson performing for crowds and honor guards during the United Day of Service 9/11 remembrance event. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

A woman kneeling on the ground in prayer facing a large wooden cross wrapped in white fabric at sunset with an open field in the background in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Photographed at sunset on September 12, 2004, a woman in a white shirt and dark pants kneels in prayer at the foot of a large wooden cross at the temporary Flight 93 National Memorial site in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Silhouetted against the golden horizon over the crash site field, the cross—draped with a white cloth—is surrounded by small angel figurines, an American flag, and memorial plaques placed during the third-anniversary observances for the 40 passengers and crew of United Airlines Flight 93. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

A woman in a black jacket kneeling to place a vase of red, white, and blue flowers at white marble headstone 64 4756 in Section 64 at Arlington National Cemetery

Photographed on September 11, 2004, a woman in black kneels to place a vase of flowers beside headstone 64 4756 in Section 64 of Arlington National Cemetery. Surrounded by U.S. Navy service members in summer whites and adjacent headstones, loved ones gathered at individual gravesites during the three-year anniversary ceremony to honor the service members and civilians lost in the September 11 attack on the Pentagon. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

American Airlines Captain James C. Condes in uniform with sunglasses resting his hand on his son Christopher's shoulder in front of a floral wreath and the granite Pentagon 9/11 memorial marker at Arlington National Cemetery

Photographed on September 11, 2004, American Airlines Captain James C. Condes places a comforting hand on his son Christopher’s shoulder as they stand before a floral wreath at the Pentagon Group Burial marker in Section 64 of Arlington National Cemetery. During the solemn three-year anniversary observance, Condes showed his son the inscribed name of Captain Charles "Chic" Burlingame III—the pilot of hijacked American Airlines Flight 77—honoring Burlingame and the 184 victims killed in the attack on the Pentagon. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

General Richard Myers leaning in to comfort a tearful woman while Secretary Donald Rumsfeld stands nearby at Arlington National Cemetery

Photographed on September 11, 2004, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Richard Myers and Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld offer condolences to an emotional family member in Section 64 of Arlington National Cemetery. Captured during the three-year anniversary observance of the September 11 attacks, this poignant moment highlights national leaders connecting directly with surviving family members gathered to honor the victims of the Pentagon tragedy. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

A vertical photo showing President George W. Bush speaking from a podium at an outdoor ceremony with red, white, and blue bunting in the background and photojournalists in the foreground

Photographed on September 11, 2002, President George W. Bush delivers an address from a podium bearing the presidential seal during the "United in Freedom" one-year anniversary observance at the Pentagon. Seated behind him on the bunting-adorned stage are military leaders, including naval officers, while press photographers in the foreground capture the historic speech honoring the victims and commemorating the completion of the Pentagon's reconstruction. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

A close-up of a brown Shanksville firefighter jacket covered in handwritten signatures hanging on a wire fence surrounded by baseball caps, a white hard hat, a lantern, and an American flag.

Photographed on September 12, 2004, a brown turnout coat from the Shanksville Volunteer Fire Department hangs displayed on the chain-link temporary memorial fence in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The jacket, bearing "SHANKSVILLE" across the upper back, is filled with handwritten signatures and messages from local first responders who were among the initial emergency crews responding to the September 11, 2001 crash of United Airlines Flight 93. Surrounding the firefighter coat are baseball caps, a miner's hard hat, a vintage lantern, an American flag, and a blue memorial t-shirt left during the third-anniversary observances. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

A shallow depth-of-field close-up of dozens of small American flags on wooden sticks waving softly in a line against a soft green field background in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Photographed in the warm late-afternoon light on September 12, 2004, a close-up perspective captures a dense row of small American flags lining the temporary Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Interspersed with wooden angel markers, rosaries, and flowers, these patriotic tributes were placed by visitors during the third-anniversary observances to honor the 40 passengers and crew members of United Airlines Flight 93. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

A photo of U.S. Navy LCDR Morgan in a white uniform, kneeling to place flowers at the headstone of Lt. Cmdr. Otis Vincent Tolbert (Section 64, Grave 4762) at Arlington National Cemetery, with other Navy members and people standing in the background during a 9/11 memorial service.

Photographed on September 11, 2004, U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Morgan kneels to place a floral tribute at the headstone of Lt. Cmdr. Otis Vincent Tolbert (Section 64, Grave 4762) in Arlington National Cemetery. Tolbert, a Navy intelligence analyst, was killed in the Pentagon during the September 11, 2001 attack. Other Navy personnel and family members stood in the background during the solemn three-year anniversary observance. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

A night long-exposure photo showing two vertical blue beams of light behind the Lower Manhattan skyline with bright light reflections on the water below

Captured on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2002, this long-exposure photograph documents the Tribute in Light installation rising behind the Lower Manhattan skyline. Photographed from across the water, the composition pairs the vertical blue light beams with sharp starburst effects from waterfront promenade lighting, reflecting golden hues across the calm surface of the river. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

A wooden sign with white letters spelling FLIGHT 93 above a blue cutout of an airplane silhouette and a red directional arrow pointing right, flanked by American flags in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Photographed on September 12, 2004, a wooden roadside sign featuring white block lettering reading "FLIGHT 93," a blue airplane silhouette, and a red directional arrow points visitors toward the temporary Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Flanked by American flags, this wooden marker served as an early directional sign guiding mourners and visitors to the crash site where United Airlines Flight 93 went down on September 11, 2001, after passengers and crew thwarted a hijacked attack aimed at Washington, D.C. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

A medium portrait photograph of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld in a trench coat speaking at a wooden podium

Photographed on December 11, 2001, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld delivers remarks from a wooden podium during the three-month 9/11 remembrance service at the Pentagon reconstruction site. Framed in a tight medium shot wearing a tan trench coat, Rumsfeld addressed service members, construction workers, and families of victims gathered outdoors in Arlington, Virginia, to reflect on the tragedy and mark the ongoing rebuilding efforts. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

A close-up of a memorial bench engraved with Charles F. Burlingame III featuring an American Airlines flight attendant card attached with a red bow and a bouquet of white lilies resting beside the illuminated pool below.

Photographed on September 13, 2008, a close-up image reveals an American Airlines flight attendant tribute card tied with a vibrant red bow attached to a memorial bench dedicated to Charles F. Burlingame III, the captain of American Airlines Flight 77. The card features the American Airlines logo and reads: "Still Flying in our Hearts and Prayers - American's Flight Attendants." Resting at the base of the bench beside the glowing pool of light is a bouquet of white lilies left during the opening dedication weekend of the National Pentagon Memorial in Arlington, Virginia. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

A vertical night photo showing two blue beams of light rising from behind the Lower Manhattan skyline to form a bright, glowing pool of light in the cloud cover high above

Captured from the New Jersey waterfront on March 31, 2002, this vertical night photograph highlights the impressive scale of the Tribute in Light installation rising high above Lower Manhattan. With the skyline resting in the lower portion of the frame, two straight beams of intense blue light reach up into the night sky, creating a glowing beacon where the searchlights illuminate the dense cloud layer overhead. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

A woman in a white t-shirt covering her face with one hand while weeping next to a wooden post decorated with rosaries at a memorial site in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Photographed on September 12, 2004, a woman wearing a white shirt and headband wipes away tears as she stands beside wooden post markers covered in rosaries and handwritten messages at the temporary Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Capturing a moment of grief during the third-anniversary commemorations, the photo reflects the emotional impact on visitors paying homage to the 40 passengers and crew members lost aboard United Airlines Flight 93 on September 11, 2001. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

A wide shot of several visitors looking at a chain-link memorial fence covered in baseball caps, flags, and patches on a gravel road under a clear sky in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Photographed on September 12, 2004, visitors gather along the gravel path in front of the primary temporary chain-link memorial fence in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The fence, adorned with hundreds of donated baseball caps, patriotic signs, law enforcement patch display boards, and American flags, served as a main focal point for mourners following the crash of United Airlines Flight 93 on September 11, 2001. Four large commemorative flags—including a red "God Bless America" flag, a blue 9-11-01 flag, a Flight 93 flag, and the Ohio state flag—fly prominently along the top of the timber-framed structure during the third-anniversary commemorations. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

Rear view of an American Airlines pilot in a dark uniform cap and blazer standing silently in front of the pentagonal 9/11 memorial marker at Arlington National Cemetery

Photographed from behind on September 11, 2004, an American Airlines pilot in full uniform stands in quiet reflection before the pentagonal granite memorial marker in Section 64 of Arlington National Cemetery. In the background, a joint-service color guard holds flags during the three-year anniversary observance. Airline crew members attended the ceremony to honor the crew and passengers lost aboard American Airlines Flight 77 during the September 11, 2001 attack on the Pentagon. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

A close-up view of an illuminated memorial bench base engraved with the names Leslie A. Whittington, Charles S. Falkenberg, and Dana Falkenberg, with a plush stuffed dog, flowers, and an American flag placed beside it.

Photographed on September 13, 2008, a stuffed plush dog, a bouquet of flowers, and a small American flag rest in the illuminated pool of water beneath a memorial bench at the National Pentagon Memorial in Arlington, Virginia. The bench end is inscribed with the names of Leslie A. Whittington, Charles S. Falkenberg, and Dana Falkenberg—a family lost aboard American Airlines Flight 77 on September 11, 2001. Three-year-old Dana was among the youngest victims of the attacks. The tribute was left during the official dedication weekend of the park. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

A vertical portrait of a smiling Sikh man with a long gray beard wearing an American flag turban and waving a small American flag

Photographed on September 11, 2002, a smiling Sikh-American attendee wearing a turban adorned with stars and stripes proudly waves a small American flag at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. Captured during the "United Day of Service" one-year anniversary 9/11 remembrance event, this vertical portrait highlights unity, patriotism, and the diverse gathering of citizens coming together to honor the victims and support national service. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

A group of performers in mime face paint and American flag themed vests performing a tribute on the steps in front of the U.S. Capitol dome

Photographed on October 20, 2001, on the East Front plaza of the United States Capitol, this image documents a silent drama and mime troupe performing a 9/11 tribute. Dressed in matching patriotic vests and face paint, the performers posed with American flags and sound equipment beneath the Capitol dome. Troupe groups like this traveled across major memorial locations—including Washington, D.C. and Ground Zero in New York City—using silent performance art to honor victims and offer messages of unity during the weeks following September 11. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

A five-sided granite memorial marker engraved with 'The Pentagon September 11, 2001' and black panels listing victims' names, surrounded by flowers on the grass at Arlington National Cemetery

Photographed on September 11, 2004, the pentagonal granite memorial marker in Section 64 of Arlington National Cemetery stands surrounded by floral arrangements during the three-year anniversary observance. Inscribed with the words "The Pentagon September 11, 2001," the five-sided monument bears black granite plaques listing the names of the 184 victims who perished during the terrorist attack on the Pentagon, including passengers aboard American Airlines Flight 77 and personnel inside the building. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

A vertical outdoor photo showing Secretary Donald Rumsfeld speaking at a podium alongside General Richard Myers, with a large American flag hanging in the foreground and a yellow crane in the background

Photographed on December 11, 2001, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld addresses the audience from a wooden podium while Air Force General Richard Myers stands at attention during the three-month 9/11 anniversary ceremony at the Pentagon. Framed in a vertical orientation, the shot highlights the suspended American flag in the upper-left foreground and the heavy construction cranes operating across the gravel reconstruction site in the background. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

A detailed fall-themed memorial wreath featuring a framed portrait of a man, a mini yellow toy car, cooking utensils, and a Pittsburgh Steelers mini helmet attached to a wooden bench carved with the name Louis J. Nacke II in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Photographed on September 12, 2004, a personalized autumn memorial wreath hangs on a wooden park bench bearing the carved name of Flight 93 passenger Louis J. Nacke II at the temporary memorial site in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The deeply personal tribute wreath is decorated with autumn leaves and mini pumpkins, a photo of Nacke, a yellow sports car, kitchen tools (a whisk, wooden spoon, and pastry brush reflecting his career in food distribution), and a Pittsburgh Steelers miniature helmet, honoring his passions and life. In the background beyond the bench, flags and the temporary chain-link memorial fence frame the site. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

A wide horizontal photo of a large American flag suspended from a yellow mobile crane in front of the Pentagon building

Photographed on December 11, 2001, during the three-month anniversary memorial service, this landscape view shows the ceremonial garrison flag suspended high above the Pentagon reconstruction grounds. Mobile cranes held the pristine flag in place, anchored with guidelines against the gray winter sky, framing the limestone facade and active construction equipment of the ongoing rebuilding project. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

A group of U.S. Navy service members in white uniforms, along with two women in black clothing, stand with heads bowed before a line of headstones with numbers 64 4756 and 64 4755 in Section 64 at Arlington National Cemetery, during a 9/11 memorial service.

Photographed on September 11, 2004, U.S. Navy personnel and family members stand in a solemn line during the three-year anniversary observance in Section 64 of Arlington National Cemetery. In the foreground, Navy Lt. Cmdr. Otis Vincent Tolbert (kneeling, not visible in this shot, but the group stands behind the gravesite) places flowers at headstones 64 4756, the final resting place of Cmdr. Dan Frederic Shanower, and 64 4755, the final resting place of Air Force Staff Sergeant Brady J. Howell. In the middle, a woman holds a document and places a supportive hand on the shoulder of the wife of Staff Sergeant Howell (far right). Multiple U.S. Navy service members and families gathered across Section 64 to remember the victims of the Pentagon attack. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

A woman in a white shirt seen from behind shielding her eyes from the sun while looking across an open green field, stood next to a long line of small wooden angel markers and American flags in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Photographed late in the day on September 12, 2004, a woman in a white shirt stands along a gravel path shielding her eyes as she gazes across the open field toward the United Airlines Flight 93 crash site in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Lined along the edge of the path in the foreground is the "40 Angels" tribute, featuring 40 wooden angel cutouts and American flags—each honoring one of the passengers and crew members who perished on September 11, 2001. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

A wide view from a elevated press platform showing photojournalists with large telephoto lenses in the foreground and a massive crowd seated in grandstands in front of the Pentagon building

Photographed from the media platform on September 11, 2002, this wide angle captures the vast gathering of thousands of attendees, military personnel, and national press corps during the "United in Freedom" one-year anniversary observance at the Pentagon. In the foreground, photojournalists and broadcast camera crews with telephoto lenses document the event, while massive bleachers and grandstands packed with families and service members fill the background outside the newly restored facade of the building. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

Photographed in the golden evening light on September 12, 2004, an elderly woman wearing glasses, a patterned shirt, and a blue fleece jacket over her shoulders stands with hands clasped in quiet reflection. She gazes at the dense wall of tributes attached to the temporary chain-link memorial fence in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, during the three-year anniversary observances honoring the 40 passengers and crew members lost aboard United Airlines Flight 93 on September 11, 2001. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

A night view of the National Pentagon Memorial field filled with illuminated glowing benches casting yellow light onto gravel paths, with young trees scattered throughout and the lit Pentagon building in the background.

Photographed at night on September 13, 2008, glowing memorial benches cast a warm yellow light across the gravel landscape at the National Pentagon Memorial in Arlington, Virginia. Taken just two days after the memorial's official dedication, the image shows visitors quietly strolling through the park grounds among newly planted paper birch trees. Behind the rows of illuminated units, the west facade of the Pentagon stands imposing under a deep purple night sky, with its interior lights reflecting off the building's historic limestone exterior. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

A wide vertical night photo showing two blue beams of light reaching high into the sky and creating a bright illuminated spot on a low cloud layer above the New York skyline

Photographed on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2002, this vertical wide-angle long exposure documents the Tribute in Light twin beams illuminating an overcast sky high above Lower Manhattan. Rising from behind the World Financial Center, the high-powered searchlights pierce the night air to form a glowing oval halo where the light hits the low ceiling of cloud cover, reflecting across the calm waters of the Hudson River below. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

A medium close-up of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld gesturing with his hand while standing alongside Air Force General Richard Myers at Arlington National Cemetery

Photographed on September 11, 2004, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld gestures while speaking in a quiet moment with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Richard Myers at Arlington National Cemetery. Captured during the three-year 9/11 anniversary observance in Section 64, the pair paid their respects amidst floral tributes placed at the gravesites of the Pentagon attack victims. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

A wide twilight view of the National Pentagon Memorial showing dozens of illuminated cantilevered benches over pools of light with small trees and the Pentagon building lit up in the background.

Photographed at twilight on September 13, 2008, two days following its official dedication, the National Pentagon Memorial field lights up against the evening sky. Each of the 184 memorial unit benches is cantilevered over a glowing pool of water, illuminating the park grounds in honor of the victims who died at the Pentagon and aboard American Airlines Flight 77 on September 11, 2001. Newly planted paper birch trees stand scattered throughout the gravel-covered plaza, with the illuminated windows of the Pentagon's west facade towering in the background. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

A long chain-link fence covered in hundreds of hats, patches, signs, and American flags in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, with several visitors standing along the gravel road looking at the tributes under a clear blue sky.

Photographed on September 12, 2004, visitors view the massive temporary chain-link memorial fence in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, which served as a central gathering place for public tributes following the September 11, 2001 crash of United Airlines Flight 93. Flying high above the fence are three flags, including a Flight 93 commemorative flag and a blue Heroes flag. Attached to the wire mesh are hundreds of personal items left by mourners from around the world, including baseball caps, law enforcement and first responder patch boards, handwritten signs, license plates, and small American flags. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

A diverse group of people with hands over hearts during a 9/11 memorial service in Arlington National Cemetery. A caucasian woman in a black blazer and a young girl are centrally featured with other attendees on a sunny day.

Photographed on September 11, 2004, a caucasian woman wearing a black blazer and sunglasses (center right) and a young girl (foreground) stand with their hands over their hearts during a solemn three-year anniversary observance in Section 64 of Arlington National Cemetery. They are surrounded by other family members and attendees honoring the memory of the 184 victims lost in the attack on the Pentagon. Diverse participants, including the man in the white polo shirt (far left), gathered for the patriotic moment of remembrance. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

President George W. Bush addressing a crowd from a podium with Laura Bush and Donald Rumsfeld seated on stage decorated in patriotic bunting

Photographed on September 11, 2002, President George W. Bush addresses the audience from a podium bearing the presidential seal during the "United in Freedom" one-year anniversary observance at the Pentagon. Seated on the bunting-decorated stage to his right are First Lady Laura Bush, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, and Joyce Rumsfeld, with military officers and a military band visible in the background. The ceremony commemorated the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and marked the completion of the Pentagon's rapid reconstruction efforts. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld wearing a trench coat standing at a wooden podium with the Department of Defense seal speaking into microphones outdoor at the Pentagon

Photographed on December 11, 2001, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld delivers remarks at a wooden podium bearing the Department of Defense seal during the three-month anniversary ceremony at the Pentagon. Dressed in a beige trench coat against the cold weather, Rumsfeld addressed military personnel, construction workers, and families gathered at the site to honor the victims of the September 11 attack and mark the ongoing progress of Project Phoenix reconstruction efforts. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

A close portrait photo of Melissa Helmbrecht speaking at a podium outdoors with an American flag blurred in the background"

Photographed on September 11, 2002, social entrepreneur and activist Melissa Helmbrecht addresses the crowd from a podium at the Lincoln Memorial during a 9/11 anniversary ceremony. Helmbrecht, founder of the youth-empowerment organization Champions of Hope, helped organize the "United Day of Service" event in Washington, D.C., bringing together young leaders, volunteers, and national performers to unite communities through volunteerism and honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

An ultra-wide night landscape showing the illuminated Statue of Liberty on the far right and the Tribute in Light beams on the far left of the Lower Manhattan skyline

Photographed from Liberty State Park on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2002, this ultra-wide landscape photograph frames the entire Lower Manhattan harbor view at night. On the far right, the illuminated Statue of Liberty stands in profile, while on the far left, the twin vertical beams of the Tribute in Light rise into the evening mist behind the financial center, surrounding the lit downtown skyline and calm water reflections. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

A woman in a red shirt and denim shorts leaning down with a young boy along a gravel path lined with numerous small American flags and wooden angel markers overlooking a grassy field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Photographed on September 12, 2004, visitors including a mother and young children pause along a gravel path to view the temporary "40 Angels" memorial site in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Overlooking the open fields where United Airlines Flight 93 crashed on September 11, 2001, the tribute features a long row of small wooden angels and American flags—one dedicated to each of the 40 passengers and crew members who lost their lives resisting the hijackers. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld with hand on heart and General Richard Myers saluting on a stage during an anthem performance by a military brass band at the Pentagon reconstruction site

Photographed on December 11, 2001, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld places his hand over his heart alongside Air Force General Richard Myers, who renders a military salute, during the playing of the National Anthem by a U.S. Military band. Positioned on a ceremonial stage overlooking the damaged outer rings of the Pentagon, the leaders paid honor to victims during the official three-month 9/11 anniversary program as active cranes and plywood-shored construction sites stood in the background. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

President George W. Bush and Secretary Donald Rumsfeld standing on a stage with hands over their hearts alongside military personnel and state flags during the Pentagon 9/11 ceremony

Photographed on September 11, 2002, President George W. Bush and Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld stand with their hands over their hearts during the "United in Freedom" one-year anniversary observance at the Pentagon. Flanked by a saluting service member and state flags against the freshly repaired limestone facade, the leaders joined the gathering crowd to pay solemn tribute to the lives lost in the September 11 terrorist attacks. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

A wide view of a heavily reinforced wooden and chain-link memorial fence covered in patriotic flags, firefighter gear, patches, and shirts, with visitors walking along a gravel road in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Photographed on September 12, 2004, a wide perspective shows the custom wooden framework supporting the heavy chain-link temporary memorial fence in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Designed to withstand wind gusts across the open fields where United Airlines Flight 93 crashed, the timber-braced fence holds thousands of public tributes, including firefighter helmets, patch banners, shirts, and flags—notably a red "God Bless America" flag, a blue 9-11-01 flag, and a Flight 93 commemorative banner. Visitors walk along the gravel pathway reviewing the offerings left during the third-anniversary commemorations. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

U.S. Army soldiers in camouflage uniforms lowering a large American flag from a crane rig after a ceremony at the Pentagon reconstruction site

At the conclusion of the three-month 9/11 remembrance ceremony on December 11, 2001, U.S. Army soldiers clad in camouflage uniforms carefully gather and lower the ceremonial garrison flag from its crane rigging. Standing on a flatbed platform at the Pentagon reconstruction site, the service members detach the large flag while construction workers and personnel look on, marking the end of the official program featuring Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

A wide panoramic night photo of the Lower Manhattan skyline across the Hudson River with two tall blue beams of light piercing the dark sky

Photographed from the New Jersey waterfront on March 31, 2002, this wide landscape long exposure captures the sweeping Lower Manhattan skyline illuminated against the night sky. On the left, the twin vertical beams of the Tribute in Light rise high above the World Financial Center, reflecting softly across the calm waters of the Hudson River alongside the city lights. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and military officers in uniform walking along a paved road in Arlington National Cemetery past rows of white headstones

Photographed on September 11, 2004, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, accompanied by Air Force General Richard Myers and military officers, walks along a path at Arlington National Cemetery during a three-year 9/11 anniversary observance. The delegation walked past Section 64, the designated burial section overlooking the Pentagon, to lay wreaths and pay respects at the gravesites of victims and fallen service members. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

A night landscape photograph of the Midtown Manhattan skyline across the Hudson River with the Empire State Building lit in red, white, and blue lights

Photographed from across the Hudson River on March 31, 2002, this night long-exposure captures Midtown Manhattan lit in red, white, and blue patriotic colors. Following the events of September 11, the Empire State Building illuminated its tower in patriotic colors as a continuous symbol of national unity and remembrance, standing out prominently alongside the Chrysler Building and Midtown financial district skyline. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld shaking hands with four-star Air Force General Richard Myers next to a podium at an outdoor Pentagon ceremony

Photographed on December 11, 2001, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld shakes hands with Air Force General Richard Myers, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, at the wooden podium during the three-month 9/11 anniversary ceremony at the Pentagon. Set against the construction fencing of the active rebuilding site, the exchange highlights the civilian and military leadership directing the defense response and the Project Phoenix reconstruction efforts following the September 11 attack. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

Photographed on September 11, 2002, President George W. Bush addresses the audience from a podium bearing the presidential seal during the "United in Freedom" one-year anniversary observance at the Pentagon. Seated on the bunting-decorated stage to his right are First Lady Laura Bush, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, and Joyce Rumsfeld, with military officers and a military band visible in the background. The ceremony commemorated the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and marked the completion of the Pentagon's rapid reconstruction efforts. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

A night view of the National Pentagon Memorial showing glowing cantilevered benches over illuminated pools under a moonlit sky with the lit windows of the Pentagon building in the background.

Photographed at night on September 13, 2008, during the dedication weekend of the National Pentagon Memorial, glowing cantilevered benches cast warm light across the gravel grounds under a moonlit sky in Arlington, Virginia. Each illuminated unit honors a victim lost during the September 11, 2001 attack on the Pentagon and aboard American Airlines Flight 77. The restored west facade of the Pentagon building towers in the background with its interior offices brightly lit against the dark evening sky. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

Photographed in profile on September 12, 2004, a woman in a white t-shirt and grey headband bows her head with hands clasped in prayer before a wooden memorial post in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The wooden post is draped in dozens of religious rosaries, small crosses, chimes, and handwritten messages, alongside a small statue of the Virgin Mary placed at its base. The image captures a solemn moment of prayer and remembrance during the third-anniversary observances honoring the 40 passengers and crew members lost aboard United Airlines Flight 93 on September 11, 2001. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and General Richard Myers shaking hands with a man in a navy suit jacket next to a podium at Arlington National Cemetery

Photographed on September 11, 2004, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Richard Myers shake hands with an attendee near the podium at Arlington National Cemetery. Captured during the three-year anniversary observance of the September 11 attacks, the leaders met with family members, survivors, and officials gathered in Section 64 to honor the 184 victims lost at the Pentagon. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

President George W. Bush, Laura Bush, and Donald Rumsfeld bowing their heads on stage during a prayer at the Pentagon 9/11 anniversary ceremony

Photographed on September 11, 2002, President George W. Bush, First Lady Laura Bush, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, and Joyce Rumsfeld bow their heads in prayer during the one-year anniversary observance at the Pentagon. Flanked by military leadership including Air Force General Richard Myers and naval officers at the presidential seal podium, the dignitaries stood on stage draped in patriotic bunting to honor the 184 victims lost at the Pentagon site during the terrorist attacks one year prior. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

A wide photo of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld speaking at a podium during an outdoor ceremony at the Pentagon with military color guards, a band, and a large suspended American flag in the background

Photographed on December 11, 2001, this wide-angle shot captures Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld addressing military personnel, official honor guards, and site workers during the three-month 9/11 anniversary ceremony. Positioned on a raised platform before a wooden podium bearing the Department of Defense seal, Rumsfeld stands alongside Air Force General Richard Myers, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In the background, a large American flag hangs suspended by a crane over the active Project Phoenix construction grounds and the shored-up outer walls of the Pentagon. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld shaking hands with a Navy chaplain in a white dress uniform next to General Richard Myers and an Army vocalist at Arlington National Cemetery

Photographed on September 11, 2004, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld shakes hands with a U.S. Navy Chaplain following the three-year 9/11 anniversary remembrance ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Richard Myers stands in the foreground, while a U.S. Army Chorus vocalist in dress uniform stands to the right holding a ceremony program beside the podium in Section 64. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

A triangular red sandstone memorial rock in a grassy field inscribed with text honoring the passengers and crew of Flight 93 from Grateful Colorado Citizens, next to a single red rose.

Photographed on September 12, 2004, a custom-carved red sandstone memorial marker stands on the hillside at the temporary Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Dedicated by "Grateful Colorado Citizens," the stone is inscribed: "To the First Citizen Heroes of the 21st Century — The Passengers and Crew of Flight 93 — 'Let's Roll' — 09/11/2001." A single red rose stands beside the marker, with memorial wreaths placed in the grassy background during the third-anniversary commemorations. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

A large American flag hanging vertically from a yellow construction crane in front of the plywood-sealed facade of the Pentagon

Captured on December 11, 2001, during the three-month 9/11 anniversary ceremony with Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, this vertical photograph shows a massive American flag suspended from a tower crane over the Pentagon reconstruction site. Secured by rigging cables above the Project Phoenix work area, the flag hangs in front of the shored-up, plywood-enclosed outer rings, symbolizing resilience as rebuilding efforts officially got underway. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

A wide landscape long exposure of the Lower Manhattan skyline at night with the Tribute in Light beams rising on the far left and vibrant reflections on the Hudson River

Captured from across the Hudson River on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2002, this wide landscape photograph shows the full expanse of the Lower Manhattan skyline at night. The vertical blue beams of the Tribute in Light installation rise gracefully on the left above the World Financial Center, while golden reflections of city lights stretched across the water anchored the quiet, powerful tribute during its inaugural month. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

A visitor in a light blue cardigan kneeling to place flowers at the marble headstone of Air Force Maj. Stephen V. Long, Section 64 Grave 4865, in Arlington National Cemetery.

Photographed on September 11, 2004, a visitor kneels in Section 64 of Arlington National Cemetery to place flowers at the gravesite (64 4865) of Air Force Major Stephen V. Long. Long was killed while working as a senior intelligence officer inside the Pentagon during the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001. This quiet tribute in the dedicated 9/11 section of the cemetery occurred during the three-year anniversary observance of the tragedy. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

Photographed in the soft afternoon light on September 12, 2004, a young girl wearing a green-striped dress crouches beside a row of flowers and small American flags at the temporary Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. With her head bowed in quiet prayer, she rests near the "40 Angels" tribute line, honoring the 40 passengers and crew members lost aboard United Airlines Flight 93 during the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

A close-up of an engraved black granite stone plaque reading 'We claim this ground in remembrance of the events of September 11, 2001. To honor the 184 people whose lives were lost, their families, and all who sacrifice that we may live in freedom. We will never forget.'

Photographed on September 13, 2008, a close-up detail captures the dedication plaque at the entrance of the National Pentagon Memorial in Arlington, Virginia. Inscribed into polished black granite, the inscription reads: "We claim this ground in remembrance of the events of September 11, 2001. To honor the 184 people whose lives were lost, their families, and all who sacrifice that we may live in freedom. We will never forget." The photo was taken during the opening dedication weekend following the memorial's official unveiling on September 11, 2008. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

A wide-angle vertical night photo showing the Lower Manhattan skyline at the bottom with two bright blue beams of light extending high into the dark sky

Captured from across the Hudson River on March 31, 2002, this wide vertical photograph highlights the immense reach of the Tribute in Light installation above New York City. Positioned along the lower third of the frame, the illuminated Financial District skyline and reflecting riverfront waters sit beneath two massive columns of light projecting thousands of feet into the overcast night sky during the memorial's inaugural run. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

Photographed on December 11, 2001, this wide-angle shot captures Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld addressing military personnel, official honor guards, and site workers during the three-month 9/11 anniversary ceremony. Positioned on a raised platform before a wooden podium bearing the Department of Defense seal, Rumsfeld stands alongside Air Force General Richard Myers, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In the background, a large American flag hangs suspended by a crane over the active Project Phoenix construction grounds and the shored-up outer walls of the Pentagon. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

A close portrait photo of singer Kelly Clarkson holding a microphone in front of Boy Scouts and state flags at the Lincoln Memorial

Photographed on September 11, 2002, singer Kelly Clarkson performs the National Anthem at the Lincoln Memorial during a United Day of Service 9/11 memorial ceremony. This appearance came exactly one week after Clarkson won the inaugural season of American Idol on September 4, 2002. Framed against state flags and Boy Scout honor guards, the newly crowned pop artist joined national leaders and citizens in Washington, D.C., to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the attacks. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

A young boy, a short-haired woman in a denim shirt, and a woman in a gray t-shirt seen from behind as they stand closely looking at patriotic tributes, photos, and flags tied to a chain-link memorial fence in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Photographed from behind on September 12, 2004, three visitors—a young boy, a woman in a denim shirt, and a young woman—stand quietly before the temporary memorial fence in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Adorning the chain-link wire directly in front of them are star-spangled wooden crosses, American flags, personal photographs, custom license plates, and handwritten messages left during the three-year anniversary commemorations for the 40 passengers and crew of United Airlines Flight 93. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

A square wooden sign attached to a wire fence featuring red, white, and blue painted handprints with handwritten text reading 'Thank you for caring, fighting and dying for our future!' and signed by Drew, Hans, and Annika from St. Paul, MN.

Photographed on September 12, 2004, a poignant handwritten wooden plaque created by children hangs on the temporary memorial fence in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Painted with red, white, and blue handprints by Drew, Hans, and Annika from St. Paul, Minnesota, the plaque reads: "Thank you for caring, fighting and dying for our future!" A small gold heart necklace hangs from the top right corner of the tribute, which was left to honor the 40 passengers and crew members of United Airlines Flight 93 during the third-anniversary commemorations. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

A printed memorial bio card featuring a black and white portrait photo of 11-year-old Rodney Dickens set against an American flag background

Photographed on December 11, 2001, at the Pentagon three-month anniversary memorial, this image captures a biography display card honoring 11-year-old victim Rodney Dickens. An honor roll student from Ketcham Elementary School in Washington, D.C., Dickens was traveling aboard American Airlines Flight 77 on an educational trip sponsored by the National Geographic Society when the plane was hijacked and crashed into the Pentagon. Mounted against an American flag backdrop, the portrait and bio honor one of the youngest victims lost on September 11. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

An illuminated memorial bench at dusk engraved with 'ET1 BRIAN A. MOSS, USN' holding a framed photo of a smiling sailor in uniform and a white rose, with the Pentagon building lit up in the background.

Photographed at dusk on September 13, 2008—just two days after the official dedication of the National Pentagon Memorial—a framed portrait of U.S. Navy Electronics Technician 1st Class Brian A. Moss rests on his memorial bench alongside a white flower. Inscribed with his name and rank "ET1 BRIAN A. MOSS, USN", the cantilevered granite bench hovers over a pool of glowing yellow light. In the background, visitors walk through the illuminated memorial park grounds with the west facade of the Pentagon building visible in the twilight. © Mike Lynaugh Photography

A large dark granite memorial slab lying on a gravel ground surrounded by American flags and floral tributes, inscribed with the words LET'S ROLL and IN MEMORIAM in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Photographed on September 12, 2004, a carved granite memorial slab at the temporary Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, is surrounded by floral wreaths, flowers, and dozens of American flags. Inscribed with Todd Beamer's famous phrase "LET'S ROLL..." alongside "IN MEMORIAM," the marker honors the 40 passengers and crew members of United Airlines Flight 93 who fought back against terrorist hijackers on September 11, 2001. During the third-anniversary commemorations, visitors left personal tributes, small angel statues, and flags around the gravel site. © Mike Lynaugh Photography