Amazingly, the rebuilding of the 40,00 square feet of slate roofing damaged in the September 11 attack began in October, 2001.

Pentagon officials were instrumental in granting access to the site and fast tracking the rebuilding process, and the lead contractor on the project, James Myers Co. of Beltsville, MD, had worked on the Pentagon’s roof in the past.

Despite challenges in organizing volunteer workers (including obtaining security clearances for all who worked on site), the project was completed rapidly. On June 25, 2002 an outdoor ceremony was held to commemorate the completion of the rebuilding process.

NRCA members had donated more than $125,000 dollars towards rebuilding the Pentagon, and the NRCA, was even able to make a $10,000 donation to the Pentagon Memorial Fund at the ceremony.

What began as John and Kimberly Francis’ earnest and heartfelt response to a terrible tragedy evolved into an overwhelming outpouring of support and pride from the roofing industry. Today the Pentagon roof, like the country, has been rebuilt, restored and is stronger than ever.