As the nation reflects today on the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks that claimed about 3,000 lives, the Pacific Aviation Museum has gathered together a representation of the "war on terror" costs for America that followed.

A sea of empty combat boots, collected for a recent remembrance run, are arrayed row after row on the south side of the Ford Island control tower, symbolizing those who have given their lives in Iraq, Af­ghani­stan and elsewhere.

President Barack Obama signed a proclamation designating today’s 11th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks as Patriot Day and National Day of Remembrance.

The Pentagon said 6,596 Americans have died in operations Iraqi Freedom, New Dawn in Iraq and Enduring Freedom.

"They died because of what happened on 9/11; 9/11 started what we see before us, which is all of these guys who have lost their lives fighting for that freedom," said Theresa Johnson, manager of the Fisher House program at Tripler Army Medical Center.

The nonprofit program for families and patients receiving medical care at Tripler held the 8K Hero and Remembrance Run, Walk or Roll on Aug. 18.

The boots were set up along the run route. Since then the collection, grouped together outside the Pacific Aviation Museum, has taken on its own sobering effect.

Approximately 4,000 boots have been on display.

"We’re still collecting boots for next year," Johnson said, adding that she plans to make the run an annual event. The boots will be put into storage Wednesday.