Demo

As Americans pause to remember 9/11 — the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon and the crash of Flight 93 in Pennsylvania — haunting images of destruction, courage and sacrifice likely leap to mind. Many of us can remember exactly where we were and what we were doing when we learned of the attacks.

But even decades later, rarely seen photos can still offer a unique perspective of the moments of that day that have shaped who we have become as a nation and military in the aftermath of the terror attacks.

The Navy Archives released a collection of photos taken by first responders and military members in the hours after American Airlines Flight 77 struck the Pentagon at about 9:37 a.m. on 9/11, blazing a path of destruction that ended in an alley between the C and B Rings.

Related: 25 Years After 9/11, Tuesday’s Children Rebrands as Tuesday’s Promise

These vivid images offer a special glimpse into the events in and around the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001.

The Pentagon seen from across VA-27 S Washington Blvd a few minutes after American Airlines Flight 77 hit the building, 11 September 2001.

Pentagon employees gather in the South Parking Lot following the attack, 11 September 2001. (

The first fire teams begin working to put out the flames in the minutes after the attack on Sept. 11, 2001

Pentagon employees along with members of the Crane Group gather in the South Parking Lot area following the attack, 11 September 2001

Fire crews work to put out the flames minutes after the attack, 11 September 2001.

Emergency response teams begin preparing triage areas outside of the Pentagon following the attack, 11 September 2001.

Pentagon employees walk away from the building along VA-27 S Washington Blvd following the attack, 11 September 2001.

Pentagon employees walk away from the building along VA-27 S Washington Blvd following the attack, 11 September 2001.

Fire crews work to put out the flames following the collapse of the E Ring, 11 September 2001

An emergency response helicopter lands on Columbia Pike outside of the Pentagon, 11 September 2001

Fire crews work to put out the flames after the E Ring of the Pentagon collapsed, 11 September 2001

Offices in the E Ring of the Pentagon are left exposed following the collapse of the neighboring section, 11 September 2001

A triage team prepares to work, 11 September 2001.

Fire crews work to put out the flames following the collapse of the E Ring, 11 September 2001.

Fire crews work to put out the flames following the collapse of the E Ring, 11 September 2001.

Pentagon employees, law enforcement, and emergency response teams gather on VA-110 near the North Parking Lot, 11 September 2001.

Flames escape from E Ring office windows near the heliport control tower, 11 September 2001.

A firefighter works to put out fires burning in the E Ring of the Pentagon near the heliport control tower, 11 September 2001.

Triage teams prepare to work, 11 September 2001.

Fire crews work while standing amidst piles of debris, 11 September 2001.

FBI personnel and emergency response teams work near the collapsed E Ring, 11 September 2001.
FBI personnel and emergency response teams work near the collapsed E Ring, Sept. 11, 2001. (TSgt Louis Briscese/U.S. Air Force photo)

U.S. Army personnel take a break from duty at the Pentagon, 12 September 2001.

Volunteers and FBI personnel perform evidence sweeps near the point of impact, 11 September 2001.

Navy personnel return to their offices on the fourth deck of the E Ring to retrieve materials and view the point of collapse, 27 September 2001.

Want to Know More About the Military?

Be sure to get the latest news about the U.S. military, as well as critical info about how to join and all the benefits of service. Subscribe to Military.com and receive customized updates delivered straight to your inbox.

Read the full article here

Share.
© 2026 Gun USA All Day. All Rights Reserved.