Patriot Day, also known as 9/11 Remembrance Day, is observed annually across the United States of America on September 11. The annual event aims to honour the victims who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. This day also pays tribute to the first responders, survivors, and all those who displayed extraordinary courage during and after the attacks. The then President George W. Bush had proclaimed Friday, September 14, 2001, as a National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for the Victims of the Terrorist Attacks that happened three days before that same month.

Patriot Day is not a federal holiday and hence schools and businesses remain open in observance of the occasion. Terrorist attacks caused tragic loss of life at the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in sight of the nation’s capital, and a quiet field in southern Pennsylvania. September 2024 Festivals, Events and Holidays Calendar: Complete List of Important National and International Days and Dates. 

Patriot Day 2024 Date

Patriot Day 2024 is observed on Wednesday, September 11.

Patriot Day History

A bill to make September 11 a National Day of Mourning was introduced in the U.S. House on October 25, 2001, by Rep. Vito Fossella (R-NY) with 22 co-sponsors. The result was the resolution to proclaim September 11, 2002, as the first Patriot Day. From 2009 to 2016, the then President Barack Obama proclaimed September 11 as Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance, in observance of the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act.

In 2017, President Donald Trump proclaimed September 8–10 as National Days of Prayer and Remembrance, and proclaimed September 11 as Patriot Day. After Joe Biden was elected president in 2020, he also issued Executive Orders for Patriot Day every year till 2023.

Patriot Day Significance

Patriot Day is an important event in the US that symbolises the unity and resilience of the American people in the face of tragedy. On this day, the US flag is flown at half-staff at the White House and on all U.S. government buildings and establishments throughout the world. Additionally, a moment of silence is observed to correspond with the attacks, beginning at 8:46 a.m. (Eastern Daylight Time), the time the first plane, American Airlines Flight 11, struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 11, 2024 09:49 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).