Patriot Day history refers to the establishment and background of the annual observance in the United States commemorating the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. This day is specifically dedicated to remembering the nearly 3,000 individuals who lost their lives in coordinated acts of terrorism at the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and onboard United Airlines Flight 93, which crashed near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
The observance was formally designated by a joint resolution of the U.S. Congress (Public Law 107-89), signed into law by President George W. Bush on December 18, 2001. This legislation requested the President to issue an annual proclamation designating September 11th as "Patriot Day." The first such proclamation was issued on September 4, 2002. Key elements of the observance include the display of the American flag at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on all federal buildings and private homes, and a moment of silence observed at 8:46 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, marking the time the first plane struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Citizens are also encouraged to participate in community service and educational programs that honor the victims and first responders.
Patriot Day is not a federal holiday where non-essential government operations close, but rather a solemn national day of remembrance and reflection. Its purpose is to ensure that the profound impact of the 9/11 attacks and the collective national response are never forgotten, fostering a spirit of unity, resilience, and memorialization for future generations while honoring the sacrifices made on that tragic day and in its aftermath.
