“Patriot Day reminds us that from the ashes of tragedy, we rise with renewed purpose and strength.” – Unknown
From Congress.gov:
In 2001, P.L. 107-89 designated September 11 as Patriot Day to honor the individuals who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001. The law asks the President to issue an annual Proclamation for Patriot Day that directs the U.S. flag to be flown at half-staff and a moment of silence be observed.
See the proclamation from the White House for 2026: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/09/patriot-day-2026-the-25th-anniversary-of-the-september-11-terrorist-attacks/
The terrorist attacks, which claimed nearly 3,000 lives, involved four civilian airplanes hijacked by 19 members of the Al Qaeda terrorist network. The first two airplanes crashed into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. The third plane struck the Pentagon. The fourth crashed in southwestern Pennsylvania (near Shanksville) after passengers tried to take control of the aircraft.1
Patriot Day is not a federal holiday.
In 2009, P.L. 111-13 also designated September 11 as the “National Day of Service and Remembrance.”
In addition to flags being flown at half staff, many Americans will observe a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. ET.
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