Patriot Day is an annual observance in the United States, designated on September 11th, to commemorate the lives lost in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Its establishment serves as a national day of remembrance and reflection, honoring the nearly 3,000 victims, including first responders, military personnel, and civilians, who perished across four coordinated attacks. The day underscores the profound impact of these events on American society and global security.
The history of Patriot Day is inextricably linked to the events of September 11, 2001, when nineteen al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked four commercial airliners. Two planes, American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175, struck the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, leading to their collapse. A third plane, American Airlines Flight 77, crashed into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, causing a partial collapse of the building. The fourth plane, United Airlines Flight 93, crashed into a field in Stonycreek Township, Pennsylvania, after passengers and crew valiantly fought back against the hijackers, preventing it from reaching its intended target, believed to be the U.S. Capitol or the White House. In the immediate aftermath, President George W. Bush declared September 14, 2001, a National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for the Victims of the Terrorist Attacks. Congress subsequently passed H.J. Res. 71, and on December 18, 2001, President Bush signed into law Public Law 107-89, officially designating September 11th as "Patriot Day."
On Patriot Day, the President issues a proclamation calling upon federal government agencies to display the U.S. flag at half-staff at all government buildings and establishments. The proclamation also encourages all Americans to display the flag at half-staff from their homes and to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, which marks the time the first plane struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center. This observance serves as a solemn tribute to those who perished, a recognition of the resilience demonstrated by the nation, and a reminder of the ongoing commitment to national security and unity in the face of adversity.
