The keyword phrase's main subject, "Patriot Day," functions as a proper noun. In the United States, Patriot Day is observed annually on September 11. It is a national day of observance to commemorate the 2,977 people killed in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. This day is officially designated as the Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance.
The observance was established by a presidential proclamation issued by George W. Bush on December 18, 2001 (Public Law 107-89). By law, the President directs that the flag of the United States be flown at half-staff at all U.S. government buildings and establishments, both at home and abroad. A nationwide moment of silence is also encouraged at 8:46 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, the time the first plane struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center. It is important to distinguish this day from Patriots' Day, a state holiday in Massachusetts, Maine, and Wisconsin observed on the third Monday in April, which commemorates the Battles of Lexington and Concord.
While Patriot Day is a national observance, it is not a federal holiday, meaning businesses and government offices do not typically close. Its primary purpose is to serve as a day of solemn remembrance for the victims and to honor the first responders and heroes of that day. The addition of "National Day of Service and Remembrance" in 2009 encourages Americans to engage in community service and charitable activities as a tribute to the victims and a way to foster national unity and resilience.
