German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius Honors 9/11 Victims at the Pentagon Memorial (July 14, 2025)

On July 14, 2025, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius visited the Pentagon during an official trip to Washington, D.C. While his agenda included high-level meetings with U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to discuss strengthening European defense capabilities and transatlantic security, he also took a moment to pay tribute at a site of profound significance.

Standing in front of a wreath laid at the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial, Minister Pistorius paused in solemn reflection. The moment served as a poignant reminder of the 184 lives lost at the Pentagon on September 11, 2001, and of how the impact of that day reverberated around the world.

The Pentagon Memorial honors those victims through 184 illuminated benches, each bearing the name of someone who perished in the attack. Since its dedication in 2008, the Memorial has welcomed visitors from all walks of life and from countries around the globe. It stands as both a place of remembrance and a symbol of resilience.

Minister Pistorius’s visit underscores the shared commitment between nations to remember and reflect on the tragedy of 9/11. As visitors like him continue to come to this sacred site, the Memorial’s mission to preserve these stories for future generations remains as vital as ever.

With plans underway to build a Visitor Education Center, we are working to expand this mission, ensuring that the courage, sacrifice, and unity shown in the face of tragedy are never forgotten.

Learn more about the Pentagon Memorial and how you can support the Visitor Education Center.