September 11 Patriot Day: Facts and Background

In the United States, Patriot Day is an annual observance on September 11, designated in memory of the 2,974 casualties during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

On October 25, 2001, Joint Resolution 71 was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Vito Fossella with 22 co-sponsors. It was then approved by a vote of 407-0, with 25 members not voting. A month later, it passed the Senate unanimously. President George W. Bush signed the Resolution into law on December 18, 2001 as Public Law 107-89. Using the power created by the Resolution, President George W. Bush proclaimed September 11, 2002 as Patriot Day on September 4, 2003.

Under Joint Resolution 71, September 11 is designated as Patriot Day. Also, the President is requested to issue a proclamation each year calling on:

1) State and local governments and the people to observe Patriot Day with appropriate programs and activities;

2) all departments, agencies, instrumentalities, and interested parties to display the U.S. flag at halfstaff in honor of the individuals who lost their lives during the September 11 terrorist attacks; and

3) Americans to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, the time of the first plane crash on September 11, 2001.

Since Patriot Day is not a federal holiday, schools and businesses do not close, and public transit systems run on their regular schedules.

Initially, the day was referred to as the Prayer and Remembrance for the Victims of the Terrorist Attacks on September 11, 2001.

Patriot Day Observances:

Wed, Sep 11, 2002: Patriot Day
Thu, Sep 11, 2003: Patriot Day
Sat, Sep 11, 2004: Patriot Day
Sun, Sep 11, 2005: Patriot Day
Mon, Sep 11, 2006: Patriot Day
Tue, Sep 11, 2007: Patriot Day
Thu, Sep 11, 2008: Patriot Day
Fri, Sep 11, 2009: Patriot Day
Sat, Sep 11, 2010: Patriot Day
Sun, Sep 11, 2011: Patriot Day
Tue, Sep 11, 2012: Patriot Day
Wed, Sep 11, 2013: Patriot Day
Thu, Sep 11, 2014: Patriot Day
Fri, Sep 11, 2015: Patriot Day