September 11, 2001, was a Tuesday. In grammatical terms, the date "September 11, 2001" functions as a proper noun phrase. This is because it names a specific, unique day, distinguishing it from all other dates. The direct answer, "Tuesday," is also a proper noun, as are all the days of the week.
A proper noun is a name used for an individual person, place, or organization, spelled with an initial capital letter. While dates are composed of numbers and common nouns (like the month), the complete phrase "September 11, 2001" operates as a single nominal unit to identify a unique point in time. When used within a sentence, this noun phrase typically functions adverbially to specify when an action occurred (e.g., "The attacks took place on September 11, 2001"). The core subject of the query is the date itself, which serves as the specific identifier, or proper noun.
The significance of classifying this date as a proper noun extends beyond simple grammar; it reflects its cultural and historical weight. The date has transcended its function as a simple temporal marker. The terms "September 11th" and "9/11" have become proper nouns in their own right, functioning as names for the specific historical events of that day and their extensive aftermath. This linguistic evolution demonstrates how a date can acquire a distinct identity, functioning as a powerful symbol that encapsulates a complex historical moment.
