September 11 is not a federal holiday in the United States. It is officially designated as a national day of observance under the name Patriot Day. On this day, non-essential federal government offices and businesses do not close, and employees are not typically granted a paid day off. The day is set aside to commemorate the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and to honor the first responders and recovery workers involved.
The legal distinction between a federal holiday and a national day of observance is significant. Federal holidays are established by law (5 U.S.C. 6103) and usually involve the closure of federal institutions, postal services, and banks. In contrast, a day of observance is a date that receives official recognition from the government to raise awareness of a particular issue or to mark an event, but without the legal provisions for widespread closures. Public Law 107-89, signed in December 2001, designated September 11th as Patriot Day and requests that the U.S. flag be flown at half-staff and that a moment of silence be observed at 8:46 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time.
In practice, the designation of September 11 as an observance rather than a holiday is intended to focus the nation on solemn remembrance, service, and reflection. In 2009, through the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, the day was also recognized as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. This addition encourages Americans to engage in charitable work and community service as a tribute to the victims and heroes of that day. The emphasis is on active commemoration and civic engagement rather than on leisure, distinguishing its purpose from that of a traditional national holiday.
