National Response

As the Pentagon was being repaired, government agencies collected and assessed all the relevant information, and identified changes that were necessary to help prevent future terrorist attacks. Our way of life would change forever. This exhibit will walk the visitor through the way our country responded after the attacks and showcases the institutional change that came with it. In the aftermath, citizenship and government were transformed by an outpouring of patriotism, service, and support for those impacted. The Department of Homeland Security was created with a new operational focus, security protocols, and intelligence priorities. The mission of our military was also transformed as a multi-faceted global war on terror began.

“September 11 is one of our worst days but it brought out the best in us. It unified us as a country and showed our charitable instincts and remind us of what we stood for and stand for.” 

-Senator Lamar Alexander