Grammatically, the term "11 sep us holiday" functions as a noun phrase, with "holiday" as the core noun modified by "11 sep" and "us." However, within the United States, September 11 is not a federal holiday. It is officially designated as Patriot Day, a national day of observance. This day was also named the National Day of Service and Remembrance. The designation as an observance rather than a holiday underscores its purpose as a day for solemn remembrance and reflection, not leisure.
Patriot Day was established by a presidential proclamation following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, and was made official by a joint resolution of the U.S. Congress (Pub.L. 10789). The law directs that the flag of the United States be flown at half-staff on all U.S. government buildings and establishments, both domestic and abroad. It also calls for a national moment of silence to be observed at 8:46 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, the time the first plane struck the World Trade Center. The "Service and Remembrance" aspect encourages Americans to engage in volunteerism and charitable acts as a tribute to the victims, survivors, and first responders.
The distinction between a national observance and a federal holiday is a crucial one. Federal holidays typically involve the closure of non-essential government offices, the postal service, and many private sector businesses. Patriot Day does not mandate such closures; commerce and government functions continue as normal. Its legal status ensures that the day is set aside for memorial activities, educational programs, and acts of service, maintaining a focus on commemoration rather than the rest and recreation associated with official holidays.
