Patriot Day

Patriot Day (Sept 11) History

Patriot Day is dedicated to honoring and remembering those who were injured or lost their lives during the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Every year, this day unites Americans in a shared moment of silence, contemplation, and determination.

Established by a joint resolution of Congress on December 18, 2001, Patriot Day was designated to provide a framework for the country’s continued expression of grief and recovery from an event that forever changed the world. The focus is not only on the tragic deaths of nearly 3,000 people, but also on the extraordinary heroism, resilience, and unity that emerged in its aftermath.

Central to Patriot Day's significance are ceremonies and acts of service. Flags are flown at half-staff across the country and a moment of silence is observed at 8:46 AM (Eastern Daylight Time), the exact moment the first plane hit the North Tower of the World Trade Center. There's also a "National Day of Service and Remembrance" associated with it, inviting people to engage in charitable activities as a tribute to the 9/11 victims, survivors, and those who rose up in service. Patriot Day is observed on September 11 each year.

Top 5 Facts for Patriot Day in 2026

• On September 11th, US Flags should be flown at half mast - both on US soil and abroad.
• A moment of silence is held at 8:46 a.m. (EST) across the nation - commemorating the time the first plane struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.
• The National September 11 Memorial and Museum takes up over half of the destroyed World Trade Center site. It contains bronze parapets inscribed with the names of those killed on September 11, 2001 and those killed in the 1993 World Trade Center attack.
• Cleaning up Ground Zero, as the World Trade Center was renamed, took 8 months and 19 days, and was completed in May of 2002.
• The Twin Towers of the World Trade Center were once the tallest buildings in the world, and contained enough concrete to build a sidewalk from New York City to Washington D.C.

In the News and Trending for Patriot Day

Top things to do for Patriot Day

• Visit the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in New York City.
• Observe a moment of silence.
• Attend a 9/11 Memorial Service.
• Share with a group of children your memories of 9/11 and how the events of the day forever changed America.
• Show support for local police and firemen as a way to honor the emergency personnel who gave their lives on 9/11.