Patriot Day, on September 11, honors the nearly 3,000 people killed in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and the first responders and others who gave their lives trying to save them. It is also a National Day of Service and Remembrance. On this day, Americans observe moments of silence, attend memorial ceremonies, fly flags at half-staff and volunteer in their communities.
History of Patriot Day
On the morning of September 11, 2001, terrorists hijacked four commercial airplanes. Two were flown into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, and one into the Pentagon near Washington, D.C. The fourth plane, United Airlines Flight 93, crashed in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after passengers and crew fought back against the hijackers.
A total of 2,977 people were killed, not including the hijackers. Among them were 343 New York City firefighters, as well as police officers and other emergency workers. Thousands more were injured, and many rescue and recovery workers later developed illnesses linked to their work at the sites.
In December 2001, Congress passed a joint resolution designating September 11 as Patriot Day, and it was first observed in 2002. In 2009, a law also recognized it as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. Memorials now stand at all three sites: the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York, the Pentagon Memorial and the Flight 93 National Memorial.
Why Patriot Day Matters
Patriot Day ensures that the victims of September 11 are remembered and honored.
It recognizes the courage of first responders, the passengers and crew of Flight 93 and the many people who helped others that day and in the recovery that followed.
It is also a day of service. Many people volunteer, donate blood or help their communities as a way to turn remembrance into positive action and to honor the spirit of unity that followed the attacks.
How to Celebrate Patriot Day
- Observe a moment of silence: many pause at 8:46 a.m. Eastern Time, when the first plane struck.
- Fly the flag at half-staff: as directed for Patriot Day.
- Volunteer: take part in the National Day of Service and Remembrance.
- Visit a memorial: attend a local ceremony or visit a 9/11 memorial.
- Learn and teach: share age-appropriate history with younger generations.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, organizations can observe a moment of silence, share information about volunteer opportunities or support first responder charities. Keep the tone respectful and avoid using the day for marketing. In classrooms, teachers can use age-appropriate resources from the 9/11 Memorial & Museum to explain what happened, emphasizing the heroes and helpers. Students can write thank-you letters to first responders. At home, families can attend a memorial ceremony, volunteer together, or talk about the day with older children. Many families also share their own memories of that day.
Fun Facts About Patriot Day
- 2,977 people were killed in the September 11 attacks.
- 343 New York City firefighters died.
- Patriot Day was first observed in 2002.
Patriot Day FAQs
When is Patriot Day?
Patriot Day is September 11.
Is Patriot Day a federal holiday?
No; it is a national day of observance and service.
How many people died on September 11, 2001?
2,977 people, not including the hijackers.
What time is the moment of silence?
Many observe it at 8:46 a.m. Eastern Time.