Patriot Day is an annual observance in the United States on September 11 to remember and mourn the nearly 3,000 people killed in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Officially designated as the "Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance," it serves as a solemn tribute to the victims, their families, and the first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The observance was established by a presidential proclamation immediately following the attacks and was solidified into law by the U.S. Congress in 2002. Federal law directs that the American flag be flown at half-staff on all U.S. government buildings and establishments, both domestically and internationally. A nationwide moment of silence is traditionally observed at 8:46 a.m. (Eastern Daylight Time), the time the first plane struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center. It is distinct from Patriots' Day, a regional holiday in April that commemorates early battles of the American Revolutionary War.
The core purpose of this day is to facilitate national mourning and reflection. By coupling remembrance with a call to service, the observance encourages individuals to engage in acts of charity and kindness. This dual focus aims to honor the victims' memory by reaffirming the values of compassion, community, and national unity that emerged in the aftermath of the tragedy, transforming a day of profound loss into an opportunity for positive civic action.
