Patriot Day
Observed annually on September 11th, Patriot Day honors and remembers those who were injured or killed during the terrorist attacks in the U.S. on September 11, 2001. During these attacks, almost 3,000 people were killed and over 6,000 were injured.
United States (Observance)It is considered one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in world history and one of the most devastating attacks on the United States since the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
The September 11th Terrorist Attacks
The terrorist attacks on September 11, also known as 9/11, consisted of four coordinated terrorist attacks carried out by the Islamic terrorist group al-Qaeda. These attacks involved four hijacked passenger airliners that departed from airports in the northeastern United States.
American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. United Airlines Flight 175 crashed into the South Tower. One hour and 42 minutes later, both 110-story towers collapsed.
American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon in Arlington County, Virginia. United Airlines Flight 93 was intended to be directed toward Washington, D.C. A group of passengers on that plane attempted to overpower the hijackers. The plane ultimately crashed into a field in Stonycreek Township near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
The History of Patriot Day
On September 14, 2001, George W. Bush proclaimed September 11 to be established as a National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for the Victims of the Terrorist Attacks. By October 25 of that year, Rep. Vito Fossella (R-NY) and 22 co-sponsors (11 Democrats and 11 Republicans) introduced a bill into the United States House of Representatives establishing 9/11 as a National Day of Mourning.
This bill, Joint Resolution 71, passed the House and the Senate unanimously on November 30. President George W. Bush then signed the resolution into law on December 18, 2001. The following year, President Bush proclaimed September 11, 2002, as the first official Patriot Day.
Commemorating Patriot Day
On 9/11, many people observe a moment of silence at 8:46 A.M. Eastern Time, the time when the first plane struck the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Many also lay flowers and wreaths on the graves of those lost on that day.
Communities across the United States hold special events and church services on this day. As directed by the President, the United States Flag should be displayed on the homes of all Americans, at half-staff, as well as on U.S. government facilities around the world.
United States (Observance)
