Patriot Day is a proper noun designating an annual day of observance in the United States held on September 11. It serves to commemorate the 2,977 people who were killed in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The day honors the victims at the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and those aboard United Airlines Flight 93, which crashed near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. While it is a national observance, it is not a federal holiday, meaning schools and businesses generally remain open.
The observance was established by presidential proclamation and U.S. public law. By direction of the President, the flag of the United States is flown at half-staff on all U.S. government buildings and establishments, both at home and abroad. A nationwide moment of silence is often observed at 8:46 a.m. (EDT), the time the first plane struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center. In 2009, the day was also designated as the National Day of Service and Remembrance, encouraging Americans to engage in charitable service as a tribute to the victims and heroes of 9/11.
The purpose of this observance is twofold. Primarily, it functions as a solemn day of remembrance to honor the memory of the innocent lives lost and the heroism of first responders and other citizens who came to their aid. Secondly, by incorporating a National Day of Service and Remembrance, it aims to transform a day of tragedy into a positive day of unity and service, channeling the national spirit of compassion and togetherness that emerged in the aftermath of the attacks.
