Patriot Day, observed annually on September 11, is not a federal holiday in the United States. It is officially designated as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. This classification means that while it holds significant national importance, it does not include the typical provisions of a federal holiday, such as paid time off for employees or the closure of government offices, schools, and most businesses.
The distinction lies in its legal and functional status. Federal holidays are established by law (Title 5 of the United States Code) and are days on which non-essential federal government functions cease. Patriot Day, established by Public Law 107-89 in 2001, is a national observance. Each year, the U.S. President issues a proclamation calling on all U.S. departments, agencies, and citizens to display the flag at half-staff. The proclamation also encourages Americans to participate in community service and to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time to honor the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks.
In practice, Patriot Day is a day of solemn commemoration rather than a day of leisure. Its purpose is to facilitate remembrance and encourage acts of service as a tribute to the individuals who were killed, injured, or who responded to the attacks. It should not be confused with Patriots' Day, a state-level public holiday in Massachusetts and Maine commemorating the battles of Lexington and Concord, which is observed on the third Monday in April.
