On this day in 1941, the construction of the Pentagon commenced.

Sixteen months later, it was completed and dedicated on January 15, 1943.

This was an amazing feat considering that this was no ordinary office building but the world’s largest, with over 6.5 million square feet under the roof to support the work of about 30,000 people.

Sixty years later, on this day, In 2001, the Pentagon was gravely damaged when a Boeing 757-223 hijacked by terrorists crashed into it, killing all 64 on the plane and 189 on the ground.

In addition to the damage done by the impact, the plane leaked 10,000 gallons of fuel into the building, almost a third of which was damaged by either the initial impact or the resulting fire.

A team of experts with experience rebuilding other blast-damaged buildings was quickly assembled.

During his keynote speech at the 2005 AIBD Summer Conference, Allyn E. Kilsheimer, a structural engineer who arrived at the Pentagon at about 5:00 p.m. that day, recalled: “I picked up parts of the plane with the airline markings on them. I held in my hand the tail section of the plane.”

He told our membership about his entering the building to assess its condition, especially how far inside it was safe to go, providing guidance to the emergency teams and witnessing the horrors of the attack.

"The hardest part for me was standing there with two skeletons on my left and two dead bodies on my right, and realizing what people can do to other people," Kilsheimer said.

Kilsheimer is a full-bearded, long-haired bear of a man who wore a pink hardhat plastered with Mary Kay cosmetics stickers, a picture of a Barbie Doll and a teddy bear.

Early estimates suggested the building could be rebuilt in three years.

Kilsheimer accepted the responsibility for rebuilding the destroyed area of the Pentagon and committed to having it complete in 12 months "In honor of those who lost their lives."

The impossible-sounding goal was embraced by government officials, contractors, and work crews.

Called the Phoenix Project, countless individuals and corporations stepped up to the challenge of recovery and rebuilding.

The building’s original quarry was kept open all winter to ensure a constant supply of Indiana limestone to the site.

Workers toiled around the clock, skipping holidays and weekends.

CEOs commissioned construction materials to be delivered using privately chartered jets.

The tireless efforts of these dedicated individuals paid off in an astonishing feat - the Pentagon was rebuilt and reopened on this day, September 11, 2002, exactly one year after the devastating attacks.

This incredible accomplishment showed the resilience and determination of the American people and demonstrated the power of unity in times of crisis.

Today, as we reflect, let us honor those who lost their lives by working towards a better world.

Let us also remember that even the most daunting tasks can be accomplished, especially when you wear a pink hard hat.

-the A-Team

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