Patriot Day is an annual observance in the United States, established to commemorate the tragic events and profound human loss resulting from the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001. Designated specifically for this date each year, its fundamental purpose is to honor the nearly 3,000 victims who perished, along with the first responders, emergency personnel, and survivors across the various attack sites, including New York City, Arlington, Virginia, and Stonycreek Township, Pennsylvania.
The establishment of Patriot Day occurred through a joint resolution of the U.S. Congress (H.J. Res. 71) on October 25, 2001, subsequently signed into law by President George W. Bush as Public Law 107-89 on December 18, 2001. While it is a day of national remembrance, Patriot Day is not a federal holiday that mandates closures of government offices or businesses. Instead, it encourages a collective national reflection and observance. Customary practices include the display of the American flag at half-staff from sunrise to sunset, a moment of silence observed at 8:46 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (commemorating the initial impact on the World Trade Center's North Tower), and various memorial ceremonies. Citizens are also often encouraged to engage in acts of service and to reflect on national unity.
Fundamentally, Patriot Day serves as a solemn and enduring reminder of the sacrifices made on September 11th and the collective resilience of the American populace. It functions as an occasion to reaffirm national values, promote vigilance against terrorism, and foster a sense of community and shared remembrance in the face of profound adversity.
