September 11th is the 254th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (255th in leap years). In the United States, its primary significance is as Patriot Day, a national day of remembrance for the nearly 3,000 people killed in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. It is a day of solemn commemoration rather than a federal holiday where non-essential government services and businesses close.
The designation of this day is a direct result of the coordinated attacks carried out by the al-Qaeda terrorist group. On September 11, 2001, hijackers crashed two airliners into the World Trade Center in New York City, a third into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and a fourth in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after passengers and crew resisted. In response to this national tragedy, a joint resolution was approved by the U.S. Congress on December 18, 2001, which designated September 11 of each year as Patriot Day. Later, the day was also named the National Day of Service and Remembrance, encouraging volunteerism and charitable acts as a tribute to the victims, survivors, and first responders.
Observances on Patriot Day include a presidential proclamation calling on all Americans to mark the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. A nationwide moment of silence is typically observed at 8:46 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, the moment the first plane struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Additionally, the American flag is flown at half-staff on all U.S. government buildings and establishments, both at home and abroad. The day serves as a national occasion for reflection on the loss suffered and the resilience and unity demonstrated by the country in the aftermath of the attacks.
