County Contributes $50K Toward USS Arlington 9/11 Tribute Room

Arlington will contribute $50,000 toward the creation of a 9/11 tribute room aboard the soon-to-be commissioned Navy vessel bearing this county's name.

The county board approved the contribution Tuesday. The donation accounts for 20 percent of the project's total cost.

The USS Arlington is scheduled to arrive at Naval Station Norfolk on Friday. A commissioning ceremony will be held just over two weeks later on Saturday, April 6.

"This is a big week for the USS Arlington and for our community," Arlington County Board Chairman Walter Tejada said in a statement. "It is fitting that the Board has approved funding for the ship’s Tribute Room just days before the USS Arlington sails into Norfolk, where it will be welcomed by some of the same first responders who performed so heroically on 9/11."

The tribute room was conceived by the ship's commanding officer, Commander Darren Nelson, according to a news release.

It will be located just off the bridge, and will serve as an "educational and contemplative area" for service members and visitors. It's designed to honor those who died in the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon and the police, fire and rescue workers who responded.

Navy regulations prohibit the use of federal funds for this projects. Donations can still be made online.

Once the room has been constructed, Arlington officials will work with Nelson and the Navy to identify any items in the county's possession that can be donated for display in the tribute room, according to a county staff report.