Patriot Day, a proper noun designating a national day of observance in the United States, occurs annually on September 11. It was established to honor the memory of the nearly 3,000 individuals who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
The observance was created by a presidential proclamation issued shortly after the attacks. A key directive for the day is the flying of the American flag at half-staff at individual American homes, on the White House, and on all U.S. government buildings and establishments, both at home and abroad. A nationwide moment of silence is often observed, corresponding with the times of the attacks, beginning at 8:46 a.m. (Eastern Daylight Time), the time the first plane struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center. This observance should not be confused with Patriots' Day, a regional holiday in some New England states that commemorates battles of the Revolutionary War.
In addition to its role as a day of solemn remembrance, the U.S. Congress designated the date as the National Day of Service and Remembrance in 2009. This legislative action encourages Americans to participate in community service and charitable activities as a tribute to the victims, survivors, and first responders. This dual designation frames the observance not only as a time for mourning and reflection but also as a call to positive civic action and community engagement.
