The award was presented during ceremonies in Washington, during which Sherwin-Williams Chairman and CEO Christopher M. Connor also presented a commemorative paint can to Lee Evey, Pentagon renovation program manager.

"The contribution made by Sherwin-Williams is representative of the American spirit to see the Pentagon made whole again," Evey said.

Following the presentations, an assembly of Pentagon representatives and other government and military officials moved to the interior of the building for a "First Swipe of Paint" ceremony marking the start of painting of the rebuilt section of the Pentagon. Evey and Connor each applied a roller full of paint in a restored portion of the building.

"Sherwin-Williams is proud to be a part of this rebuilding effort," Connor said. "We hope this gesture will, in some way, honor those who lost their lives in the Sept. 11 attacks and lift the morale of those who, each day, work in this building - and on behalf of the American people."

U.S. Senators R. Michael DeWine and George V. Voinovich, both of Ohio, commended Cleveland-based Sherwin-Williams. "I am proud that Sherwin-Williams has stepped forward to help make Ohio's contribution to the Pentagon rebuilding efforts," DeWine said. "Such generosity is symbolic of our great American way of life."