The national day of observance was established following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. President George W. Bush signed a joint resolution into law on December 18, 2001, which designated September 11 of each year as "Patriot Day." The first official commemoration took place on September 11, 2002.
The formal designation is codified in U.S. Public Law 107-89. The purpose of the day is to remember and honor the nearly 3,000 individuals who lost their lives in the attacks. By presidential proclamation, Americans are called to observe the day with ceremonies and activities, including a nationwide moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, the moment the first plane struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center. The U.S. flag is also flown at half-staff on this day.
This observance should not be confused with Patriots' Day, a state holiday in Massachusetts and Maine celebrated on the third Monday of April. Patriots' Day commemorates the Battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775, which were the first armed conflicts of the American Revolutionary War. While the names are similar, the two holidays honor distinct and separate events in United States history.
