The main point of the query is the proper noun "Patriot Day." The designation of September 11 as Patriot Day was established by law on December 18, 2001, when President George W. Bush signed Public Law 107-89. This legislation officially designated the date as a day for national observance in memory of the individuals who lost their lives in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
The legislative action originated with House Joint Resolution 71, which was approved by a vote of 407-0 on October 25, 2001. It is important to distinguish Patriot Day as a national day of observance rather than a federal holiday; as an observance, federal government offices and schools do not close. The statute directs that the flag of the United States be flown at half-staff at all homes, on the White House, and on all U.S. government buildings and establishments. The President is also requested to issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe a moment of silence.
The designation was later expanded on April 21, 2009, when President Barack Obama signed the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act into law. This act officially recognized September 11 as a "National Day of Service and Remembrance." This addition encourages Americans to engage in charitable service as a positive and forward-looking tribute. The dual designation emphasizes both solemn remembrance of the tragic events and the constructive, unifying spirit of community service.
