Industry Focus

"Now, therefore, be it resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), that Congress commends the patriotic contributions of the roofing professionals who replaced, at no cost to the Federal Government, the section of the Pentagon's slate roof that was destroyed as a result of the terrorist attacks against the United States that occurred on September 11, 2001."—House Congressional Resolution 424.

So read the formal resolution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in a special session on June 25. The resolution was issued the same day a ceremony was held on the Pentagon's grounds to thank the major contributors to the NRCA Pentagon Project.

Reps. Nydia Velázquez (D-N.Y.), Donald Manzullo (R-Ill.) and Gary Miller (R-Calif.) personally recognized the many contributors in attendance.

Rep. Nydia Velázquez (D-N.Y.) presents NRCA Executive Vice President Bill Good with a bound copy of the House of Representatives resolution commending those who donated labor and materials to the repair and replacement of the Pentagon's roof system.

"Americans do not rest on their laurels," Velázquez said during her remarks. "Even after a hard week's work, we look around to see what we can do to improve our neighborhoods and communities. ... Hundreds of roofing workers—following a trade they know well and love—have become heroes by volunteering their skill and labor in our country's hour of greatest need."

Following her statement, Velázquez gave each contributor, as well as NRCA, a bound copy of the House's resolution that would be passed later that day.

In addition, John Irby, the Pentagon's director of federal facilities and management, awarded each major contributor a formal certificate from the Pentagon as a token of appreciation.

Following the Congressional remarks and presentation of certificates, Bill Good, NRCA's executive vice president, presented a $10,000 check to the U.S. Treasury to be used toward the creation of a Pentagon memorial.

The $10,000 was the amount remaining from the financial contributions that were not used directly for the reroofing project. In all, nearly $500,000 worth of labor, materials and money was donated to the NRCA Pentagon Project.

The industry's effort to rebuild the Pentagon was a true showing of patriotism and fitting example of American resolve. And as an industry, roofing professionals now are closer than ever.

Ambika Puniani is editor of Professional Roofing magazine and NRCA's director of communications.

To reach me, write 10255 W. Higgins Road, Suite 600, Rosemont, IL 60018-5607; telephone (847) 299-9070, Ext. 255; or e-mail apuniani@nrca.net