Patriot Day

Patriot Day is an annual observance on September 11 to remember those who were injured or died during the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001. Many Americans refer to Patriot Day as 9/11 or September 11.

Patriot Day is not a public holiday. Businesses have normal opening hours. Schools and businesses do not close. Public transit systems run on their regular schedules. Some people and organizations take time out to hold prayers for the victims of the attacks.

Observing Patriot Day
At the direction of the President, the flag of the United States of America should be displayed on the homes of Americans, the White House, and all United States government buildings in the whole world. The flag should be flown at half-staff as a mark of respect to those who died on September 11, 2001. Many people observe a moment of silence at 8:46 AM (Eastern Daylight Time). This marks the time that the first plane flew into the World Trade Center. Some communities, particularly in the areas directly affected by the attacks, hold special church services or prayer meetings. People who personally experienced the events in 2001 or lost loved ones in them, may lay flowers or visit memorials. Two spotlights are lit in New York City each year to symbolize the two Trade Center Towers that fell. Each year on September 11th, the names of each of the victims are read aloud at the Word Trade Center location.