Federal Legislation
Congressional recognition and designation of the 9/11 National Memorial Trail
Congressional Designation
The September 11th National Memorial Trail was established through federal legislation, recognizing its importance as a living memorial to honor the victims, survivors, and heroes of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
This designation affirms the trail's role in connecting the three attack sites—the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania—while promoting remembrance, education, and community engagement along its 1,500+ mile route.
Legislative Milestones
October 13, 2021
H.R. 2278 Signed Into Law
President Biden signed H.R. 2278 in the Oval Office, officially designating the September 11th National Memorial Trail as a federally recognized memorial connecting the three sites of the attacks.
View Full Text on Congress.govThe Trail Route shall:
- •Provide for a tribute to the family members and loved ones who were victims of the attack and the heroes of September 11th, including the first responders
- •Be a trail of remembrance to honor the fallen in a tangible way that keeps their memories alive and reaffirms the exceptionalism of our country
- •Be a celebration of our Nation's resilience and perseverance since September 11, 2001
October 1, 2021
Senate Passes Bill by Unanimous Consent
The United States Senate passed H.R. 2278 by unanimous consent, demonstrating bipartisan support for this living memorial to the heroes of September 11th.
July 2021
House Passes Bill 423-0
The House of Representatives passed H.R. 2278 with overwhelming bipartisan support, voting 423-0 in favor of establishing the 9/11 National Memorial Trail.
Legislative Champions
The legislation was made possible through the dedicated efforts of these congressional leaders:
Rep. Gerry Connolly
Lead Sponsor
Virginia's 11th District
Rep. Don Beyer
Co-Sponsor
Virginia's 8th District
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick
Co-Sponsor
Pennsylvania's 1st District
The 9/11 National Memorial Trail has enjoyed bipartisan support from members of Congress representing the states through which the trail passes. Their advocacy has been instrumental in securing federal recognition and ongoing support for this living memorial.
What Federal Designation Means
National Recognition
Official acknowledgment of the trail's importance in honoring the victims and heroes of September 11th at the highest level of government.
Coordinated Development
Enables collaboration among federal, state, and local agencies to develop and maintain the trail infrastructure.
Educational Mission
Supports programming that educates current and future generations about the events and legacy of September 11, 2001.
Community Connection
Brings together communities across multiple states in a shared mission of remembrance and resilience.
Partnership Framework
Creates a structure for collaboration with existing trail systems, parks, and recreational organizations.
Long-term Preservation
Ensures the trail's continued existence and maintenance as a permanent memorial for generations to come.
States Along the Trail
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Click on the red markers to learn more about each memorial site
Support the Trail
Help us fulfill the mission of this federally designated memorial by getting involved, donating, or contacting your representatives.