Patriot Day is observed on September 11th in memory of the 2,993 people who lost their lives in the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States. On that day, two hijacked airplances crashed into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in NYC. A third hijacked aircraft crashed into the Pentagon near Washington, DC. It is believed that a fourth airplane was to crash into the White House, however, passengers aboard that plane tried to take control over the hijackers to prevent the attack. The plane ended up crashing in Pennsylvania. Innocent people lost their lives during this tragedy - many of them through heroic efforts trying to help others.
Most Americans refer to this day as 9/11 or September 11th. On December 18, 2001, President George W. Bush signed into law this discretionary day of remembrance. The American flag should be flown at half-staff at home and at all U.S. government buildings.
Most Americans observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46am EST - the time of the first plane crash in a tower on September 11, 2001.
In 2009, President Obama and the First Lady are asking Americans to volunteer in their communities as a way to honor the heroes of September 11th and those who serve our military. They are calling it the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance hoping to reignite the spirit of unity and service that inspired Americans after the September 11th tragedy.
In the days, weeks and months following 9/11, the U.S. was bathed in American flags as citizens mourned the incredible losses and stood shoulder-to-shoulder against terrorism. Sadly, some of those flags have disappeared. Our patriotism has pulled us through some tough times and it shouldn't take another attack to galvanize our solidarity. Our American flag is the fabric of our country and together we can prevail over terrorism of all kinds.
Things you can do to memorialize the day:
- Forward this page to everyone you know. Take a moment to think about how you felt on 9/11 and let those sentiments guide you.
- Fly an American flag of any size on this day at half staff.
- Observe a moment of silence for citizens who lost their lives in this tragedy.
- Volunteer in your community as a way to celebrate unity and service.
Patriot Day - September 11, 2001 Learning Activities