CSM
Senior Member
Washington Times
August 16, 2005
Pg. 6
Inside Politics
Post Pulls Out
By Greg Pierce
The Washington Post is pulling out of a Pentagon-sponsored event to commemorate those killed at the Pentagon during the September 11 attacks, according to officials.
The newspaper claims the event is being politicized by the Bush administration, according to officials close to the issue who spoke to Bill Gertz of The Washington Times on the condition of anonymity.
"It is unfortunate that The Washington Post has made this decision not to support the Freedom Walk, but we welcome their donation to the Pentagon Memorial Fund," the Pentagon said in a statement last night.
"This is a commemorative event to honor the memory of the victims who died in the attack on the Pentagon and to highlight the yet-to-be constructed Pentagon Memorial."
The statement said the walk, scheduled for Sept. 11 near the site where a hijacked airliner slammed into the five-sided building, "is an opportunity to remember the victims and their families, to reflect on the sacrifices made by our troops and to recommit to the work still ahead."
"Regardless of how one chooses to observe this anniversary, we should never forget the sacrifices -- both past and present -- made by those in defense of our freedom," the statement said.
The Post had agreed to provide free advertising for the event, but the paper withdrew in the face of criticism from anti-Iraq war groups. A Post spokesman could not be reached for comment.
August 16, 2005
Pg. 6
Inside Politics
Post Pulls Out
By Greg Pierce
The Washington Post is pulling out of a Pentagon-sponsored event to commemorate those killed at the Pentagon during the September 11 attacks, according to officials.
The newspaper claims the event is being politicized by the Bush administration, according to officials close to the issue who spoke to Bill Gertz of The Washington Times on the condition of anonymity.
"It is unfortunate that The Washington Post has made this decision not to support the Freedom Walk, but we welcome their donation to the Pentagon Memorial Fund," the Pentagon said in a statement last night.
"This is a commemorative event to honor the memory of the victims who died in the attack on the Pentagon and to highlight the yet-to-be constructed Pentagon Memorial."
The statement said the walk, scheduled for Sept. 11 near the site where a hijacked airliner slammed into the five-sided building, "is an opportunity to remember the victims and their families, to reflect on the sacrifices made by our troops and to recommit to the work still ahead."
"Regardless of how one chooses to observe this anniversary, we should never forget the sacrifices -- both past and present -- made by those in defense of our freedom," the statement said.
The Post had agreed to provide free advertising for the event, but the paper withdrew in the face of criticism from anti-Iraq war groups. A Post spokesman could not be reached for comment.
