5 Incredibly Rare 9/11 Photos You've Never Seen Before

As we remember the thousands of people who lost their lives 16 years ago today in the terrorist attacks in New York City, Pennsylvania, and right here in Arlington, Va., there are many images that are burned in our brains from that tragic day, from the collapse of the World Train Center to the smoldering hole in the Pentagon. But there are a few photos from that day you've probably never seen before.

The Pentagon has released 20 "rarely seen" photos from the events of Sept. 11, 2001, and we've featured five of the most interesting below.

1. President George W. Bush turns to watch television coverage of the attacks

Bush infamously read "My Pet Goat" to a group of schoolchildren in Sarasota, Fla. when someone came up to whisper in his ear that America was under attack. And while that video is famous, you've probably never seen this shot of Bush at a desk as he watched television coverage of the attacks.

2. Smoke billows over the Pentagon at night

Many hours after the plane slammed into the Pentagon, firefighters continued to battle the smoke and flames. This shot captures what was very much an active situation at the Pentagon that night.

3. Bush meets with first responders at the Pentagon

Thousands of rescue workers, firefighters, and military personnel from Arlington County and the entire D.C. area converged on the Pentagon to help. President Bush is pictured here thanking them personally on Sept. 12, 2001.

4. Huge flag unfurled over Pentagon after the attack

"The garrison flag, sent from the U.S. Army Band at nearby Fort Myer, Virginia, is the largest authorized flag for the military," the Defense Department caption reads. It was unfurled as rescue and recovery efforts continued following the attack."

5. Badly burned office on the fifth floor of the Pentagon

This picture shows just how devastating the fire was that destroyed a large section of the Pentagon on Sept. 11.