WASHINGTON, Sept. 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --- James J. Laychak, president of the Pentagon Memorial Fund, today announced a $500,000 donation from Walmart, to the Pentagon Memorial Fund. The donation was unveiled at the site of the Pentagon Memorial, which will be dedicated on September 11th of this year.
"We are unbelievably proud to honor the men and women, both military and civilian, who made the ultimate sacrifice at the Pentagon on September 11. Whether they were serving our nation in the military or going about their everyday lives at the time of the tragedy, each and every one of them represents what is best about our country," said Bill Simon, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Walmart Stores. "This memorial helps us remember that democracy is a precious gift that must be treasured and protected."
"The Pentagon Memorial Fund is extremely grateful for Walmart's generous donation," said Laychak. "This donation will help us meet our fundraising goals and ensure the completion and maintenance of the Pentagon Memorial. In this way, we can forever honor those who lost their lives during the September 11th, 2001, attack on the Pentagon."
The Pentagon Memorial is being built on a 1.9 acre parcel of land adjacent to the Pentagon and within view of the site where American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the building during the September 11th attacks. The Memorial will include 184 cantilevered benches that represent each victim who lost their life that day. The Pentagon Memorial cost $22 million to build, and an endowment of $10 million is being established to permanently maintain it. The Memorial will be open to the public on September 12th, 2008.
About the Pentagon Memorial Fund:
The Pentagon Memorial Fund is a non-profit organization established by the families of the 184 victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in Washington, DC. The Memorial Fund's mission is to provide for the construction and permanent maintenance of the Pentagon Memorial, a beautiful park located at the grounds of the attack that will provide a place for reflection, remembrance and renewal. For more information about the Pentagon Memorial, please visit www.pentagonmemorial.org.
About Philanthropy at Walmart
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) and its foundation are proud to support the charitable causes that are important to customers and associates in their own neighborhoods. Through its philanthropic programs and partnerships, the company supports initiatives focused on enhancing opportunities in education, job skills training, sustainability, and health and human services. In 2007, Walmart, Sam's Club and the Walmart Foundation gave $296 million to communities across the United States. To learn more, visit www.walmartstores.com/community.