Sgt. Grit,
I am writing this on September 12, 2011, I have notice that there was hardly any mention of the plane hitting the Pentagon on September 11, 2001 at least locally in the Tampa area. So I thought I would share a couple of pics and a story from that day. I was stationed at Henderson Hall, HQBN, HQMC while undergoing rehab after back surgery at Bethesda. They those of us with laminated light duty chits working at the base gym. I had just watched the planes hit the towers and went out for a smoke when I saw the plane fly over and hit the Pentagon. It was unreal to see we helped in setting up a triage area which I don’t think was actually used. After that was done we were given our m16 with no ammo of course and posted around base. The next day maybe next couple of days’ time was blending together, I was sent down to the Pentagon to help wherever I could it amazed me all the groups that had come out to help salvation army, outback steakhouse mc Donald’s and many others were helping feed amongst other things. Anyway to what I was actually writing about in the pictures I attached you will see in the midst of all the destruction there was Marine Corps Colors standing tall untouched by the damage. There was a Marine Major who arranged for the crane to lift someone up to get it and then it was brought to the Commandant if I remember correctly. It was really emotional for those marine that were there to see this standing tall.
Thomas Hunter
Cpl USMC RET