Patriot Day was officially established on December 18, 2001, when President George W. Bush signed into law Public Law 107-89. This legislation designated September 11 of each year as the day of observance.
The creation of this day began as a legislative action following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The U.S. House of Representatives introduced a joint resolution (H.J.Res. 71) to formally designate the date as a day of remembrance. The resolution passed the House unanimously on October 25, 2001, and subsequently passed the Senate before being presented to the President for his signature in December of that year.
The law directs the President of the United States to issue an annual proclamation calling on the American people to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. It also requests that all U.S. flags be flown at half-staff and encourages a moment of silence to honor the individuals who lost their lives in the attacks.
