Patriot Day, the proper noun at the core of the inquiry, is the United States national observance that occurs annually on September 11th. This specific date commemorates the victims and honors the heroes of the terrorist attacks that took place on September 11, 2001, at the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon in Virginia, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
Officially designated as "Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance," the observance was first proclaimed by President George W. Bush and later signed into law. Key traditions include a presidential proclamation each year, a nationwide moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. (Eastern Daylight Time) marking the time the first plane struck the North Tower, and the directive for the flag of the United States to be flown at half-staff on all government buildings and establishments. It is distinct from Patriots' Day, a regional holiday in April commemorating Revolutionary War battles.
The significance of this day is as a solemn occasion for national reflection and mourning, rather than a celebratory federal holiday; consequently, schools and businesses generally do not close. The "National Day of Service and Remembrance" component encourages Americans to engage in community service and charitable activities as a constructive tribute to the victims and a means of reaffirming the national unity that arose in the wake of the attacks.
