Patriot Day, observed annually on September 11th, mandates a specific and solemn flag display protocol for the United States flag. The primary directive for this day is to fly the national flag at half-staff from sunrise to sunset. This particular positioning serves as a powerful and visible national symbol of remembrance and mourning for the victims of the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001.
Adhering to the established U.S. Flag Code (Title 4, U.S.C. Chapter 1), the correct procedure for flying the flag at half-staff on Patriot Day involves first hoisting the flag briskly to the peak of the flagpole, then ceremoniously lowering it to the half-staff position, where it should remain until sunset. At sunset, the flag is again hoisted to the peak for a moment before being respectfully lowered for the night. This distinct display differentiates Patriot Day from other national observances, underscoring a collective national sorrow rather than celebration, while all other general flag etiquette rules, such as proper illumination if flown at night and preventing it from touching the ground, remain applicable.
The prescribed flag etiquette for Patriot Day represents a profound act of national solidarity and reverence. By adhering to the half-staff directive, individuals and institutions collectively acknowledge the immense loss and enduring impact of the September 11th attacks, ensuring that the memory of those who perished, along with the national spirit of unity and resilience that emerged, are respectfully honored and remembered.
