American Airlines Flight 77 was hijacked in flight by terrorist near Washington, D.C. and flown into the Western side of the Pentagon, the headquarters of the U.S. Defense. 189 people were killed in that attack, one was Burke County native, Lt. Commander Eric Cranford, U.S. Navy 12/21/68-9-11-2011. Lt. Commander Cranford worked in the Pentagon’s Navy Command Center which took a direct hit He left behind his wife Emily Cozart Cranford. They had been married exactly 1 year, 1 month and 1 week.

The History Museum placed a wreath on his exhibit to commemorate his sacrifice.