Patriot Day

Rajnandini Roychoudhury
Dec 22, 2023 By Rajnandini Roychoudhury
Originally Published on Mar 17, 2022
Fact-checked by Amatullah Gulbargawala
Patriot Day is a crucial day in the United States so let's read more about this memorial day.

Where is Patriot Day observed?

Patriot Day is observed particularly in the United States where this incident took place. Besides the United States, it is unofficially observed in other countries too to pay tribute to the victims.

Who is Patriot Day observed by?

Everyone can be part of this day and pay homage to all the lives that were lost on this tragic day. Especially the families of the victims who may gather at the World Trade Center site and commemorate their loved ones.

When did Patriot Day start?

The bill was presented to make September 11 a national day of mourning and later this day was acknowledged as Patriot Day. This day was first observed on September 11, 2002.

Who started Patriot Day?

The bill was presented by republican politician Vito John Fossella Jr along with 22 other co-sponsors and under former President, George Bush, the day was first commemorated.

History And Timelines

September 11 is not a public holiday as it is observed in schools, offices, and other significant places. To pay tribute to the victims and the first responders who risked their lives this day has a huge significance.

Traditions And Customs

There are a few traditions that are to be observed each year, especially in the White House. The President of the United States would issue an annual testimony requesting that all the flags in the United States are to be flown at half mast from sunrise to sunset.

And to commemorate the first responders from all emergency services and other victims, a moment of silence has to be observed at 8:46 Eastern Daylight Time.

Ways To Observe Patriot Day

Besides the annual traditions that have to be conducted by the President in the White House, civilians can commemorate September 11 in their own way. Visiting the World Trade Center, and the Pentagon as a part of the memorial ceremony is observed by many. Numerous events are organized in public sectors and in homes to remember the lost lives.

Facts And Stats

Patriot Day is frequently confused with Patriot's Day that is observed on the third Monday of April. This day is a celebration of the Boston marathon and battle reenactments of the Revolutionary War that happened in 1775.

There are several parades that are held on the streets to honor the patriots and mark this day.

Schools see this day as an opportunity to teach the children about the country's and their ancestors' history.

Islamist Extremism

Often referred to as 9/11, this terrorist attack shook the nation and the world and involved the death of over 3,000 people.

September 11, 2001

National Day Of Prayer And Remembrance

Then-President George Bush declared September 14, 2001, as National Day of Prayer and Remembrance.

September 14, 2001

Introduction Of The bill

Politician Vito John Fossella Jr and 22 other co-sponsors presented the bill to make September 11 Patriot Day.

October 25, 2001

Approval Of Patriot Day

By a joint resolution on December 18, 2001 congress specified September 11 as Patriot Day to be observed each year.

December 18, 2001

First Patriot Day

The first-ever Patriot Day was proclaimed by George Bush and was observed on September 11, 2002.

September 11, 2002

Why is it called Patriot Day?

A patriot is someone who would risk their lives to defend their country against any attack. Thus the first responders and other victims who put their lives at stake on September 11, 2001, were patriots. Therefore in their memory, it is called Patriot Day.

When did Patriots Day become a holiday?

Patriot Day was approved on December 18, 2001, by Public Law 107-89 and since then it has become a day to remember the people killed in these attacks. However, this day is not a federal holiday.

Who invented the concept of Patriot Day?

This bill was presented in by Vito Fossella Jr and 22 other co-sponsors and was proclaimed by former President George Bush.

What are some benefits of observing Patriot Day?

It creates solidarity and unites people, it generates a feeling of oneness and love for their nation.

What are the conditions in honoring Patriot Day?

Honoring and following the declarations made by the president like half-staff flags and observing the moment of silence are the basic conditions.

Who encouraged the observation of Patriot Day?

Initially September 14, 2001, was assigned as a national day for mourning and remembrance. Nevertheless, the idea bill was presented by Vito Fossella Jr and 22 others.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Friday, September 11, 2020
  • Saturday, September 11, 2021
  • Sunday, September 11, 2022
  • Monday, September 11, 2023
  • Wednesday, September 11, 2024

We Want Your Photos!
We Want Your Photos!

We Want Your Photos!

Do you have a photo you are happy to share that would improve this article?
Email your photos

More for You

See All

Written by Rajnandini Roychoudhury

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English

Rajnandini Roychoudhury picture

Rajnandini RoychoudhuryBachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English

With a Master of Arts in English, Rajnandini has pursued her passion for the arts and has become an experienced content writer. She has worked with companies such as Writer's Zone and has had her writing skills recognized by publications such as The Telegraph. Rajnandini is also trilingual and enjoys various hobbies such as music, movies, travel, philanthropy, writing her blog, and reading classic British literature. 

Read full bio >
Fact-checked by Amatullah Gulbargawala

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English, Bachelor of Education specializing in the Language Arts

Amatullah Gulbargawala picture

Amatullah GulbargawalaBachelor of Arts specializing in English, Bachelor of Education specializing in the Language Arts

Amatullah is a passionate student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education from Ashoka College of Education. With a keen interest in literature, she has excelled in elocution competitions and is an accomplished writer. She has completed courses like "History of English Language and Literature", "Introduction to Western Political Thought and Theory", and "Development of Soft Skills and Personality". In her free time, Amatullah enjoys reading books and writing poetry.

Read full bio >