Patriot Day is observed annually on September 11th. It is a national day of remembrance marking the anniversary of the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001. This day serves as a solemn occasion to honor the individuals who lost their lives in the attacks and is designated as a national day of observance, not a federal holiday.
The designation was established by U.S. Public Law 107-89, signed on December 18, 2001. By presidential proclamation, the flag of the United States is to be flown at half-staff at individual American homes, the White House, and on all U.S. government buildings and establishments, both domestically and abroad. The President also asks Americans to observe a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. (Eastern Daylight Time) to honor the innocent victims, a time corresponding to the first plane's impact on the North Tower of the World Trade Center.
This observance is distinct from Patriots' Day, a regional holiday in Massachusetts and Maine celebrated on the third Monday of April, which commemorates the Battles of Lexington and Concord. To further define its purpose, the day was also named the "National Day of Service and Remembrance" in 2009, encouraging Americans to engage in community service and charitable activities as a tribute to the victims, survivors, and first responders of the 9/11 attacks.
