How D.C. is marking the 25th anniversary of 9/11

Anna Spiegel

Red box with blue edges sits on a black background. Inside is crumpled patriotic fabric with an American flag pattern, a torn white panel, and a brown textured patch; a small label is visible. — A 9/11 memorial exhibit at the American History Museum showcases artifacts, like this one from the Pentagon, designed to "inspire respect and reflection." Photo: Courtesy Smithsonian Institution

A quarter-century after the Sept. 11 attacks, Washington is marking the anniversary with rarely seen artifacts, performances and remembrance.

The big picture: D.C. and the Pentagon were at the center of 9/11 and its aftermath — and local institutions are drawing on their collections and firsthand witnesses to tell the story 25 years later.

View: The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History is from Wednesday through Saturday highlighting about 40 objects tied to the World Trade Center, Pentagon and Flight 93 that aren't currently on display.

The museum's 9/11 collection has over 700 pieces, including plane and building fragments, first responders' gear, photographs and letters.
The objects will be displayed on open tables, rather than behind glass, for an unusually close look meant to "inspire respect and reflection."
The museum will also screen the documentary "9/11: Stories in Fragments."

Listen: Grammy-winning Kronos Quartet will perform a free remembrance concert Saturday at 3pm at the American History Museum.

The centerpiece, Steve Reich's "WTC 9/11," incorporates NORAD and FDNY recordings and interviews from the day. The program also features music by Terry Riley, Neil Young and others.

Look back: At the Udvar-Hazy Center Thursday at 7pm, firsthand witnesses will revisit the response at the Pentagon and National Airport.

Panelists include Chris Browne, who managed National Airport on 9/11, and Michael Defina, then a battalion chief with its fire department.
Also on view: Foam 331, a rescue truck used to fight the Pentagon fire.
Free; registration required.

See a show: "Come From Away" returns Thursday to Ford's Theatre, a decade after its Ford's debut.

The Tony-winning musical tells the true story of Gander, Newfoundland, which welcomed more than 6,500 passengers after 38 planes were diverted there on 9/11.
The show runs through Oct. 18. Tickets: $30+.

Head to Fort Belvoir: The National Museum of the U.S. Army's new "Steel and Stone" exhibit explores the Army Corps of Engineers' response to 9/11.

On Friday, see the enormous American flag that hung over the damaged Pentagon on Sept. 12, 2001. Weekend programming includes a remembrance walk and family activities. Free.

Read: The National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Virginia, releases "The Legacy of 9/11" Friday.

Marines featured in the new book will share their firsthand accounts, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony. Free copies will be available starting at 2pm.

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How D.C. is marking the 25th anniversary of 9/11

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