Observed annually on September 11th, Patriot Day honors and remembers those who were injured or killed during the terrorist attacks on the U.S on September 11, 2001. During these terrorist attacks, almost 3,000 people were killed and over 6,000 people were injured.
It is considered to be one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in world history and one of the most devastating attacks on the United States since the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
The September 11th Terrorist Attacks
The terrorist attacks on September 11, as known as 9/11, consisted of four coordinated terrorist attacks performed by the Islamic terrorist group known as al-Qaeda. These attacks featured four hijacked passenger airliners which departed from airports in the northeastern portion of the U.S.
American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the North tower of the World Trade Center in New York City and United Airlines Flight 175 crashed into the South tower. 1 hour and 42 minutes later, both 110-story towers buckled and collapsed.
American Airlines Flight 77 was crashed into the Pentagon in Arlington County, Virginia and United Airlines Flight 93 was supposed to be steered toward Washington, D.C., but a group of passengers on that plane tried to overcome the hijackers and the plane ended up crashing into a field in Stonycreek Township near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
The History of Patriot Day
On September 14, 2001, George W. Bush proclaimed that September 11 be established as a National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for the Victims of the Terrorist Attacks on September 11, 2001. By October 25th of that year, Rep. Vito Fossella (R-NY) and 22 co-sponsors (11 Democrats and 11 Republicans) introduced a bill into the United States House establishing 9/11 as a national day or mourning.
This bill, Joint Resolution 71, passed the house and the Senate unanimously on the 30th of November. President George W. Bush then signed the resolution into law on December 18, 2001. The following year, President Bush proclaimed September 11, 2002, as the first official Patriot Day.
Commemorating Patriot Day
On 9/11, many people will observe a moment of silence at 8:46 A.M Eastern Time. It was at this time that the first plane flew into the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Many people also lay flowers and wreaths on the graves of loved ones that were lost on that day.
Communities all over the United States hold special events and church services on this day. As directed by the President, the United States Flag should be displayed on the homes of all Americans, at half-staff, as well as U.S government facilities all over the globe on this day.
How is Patriot Day celebrated?
- Every year, on the anniversary of the event, Americans fly the American flag at half-mast and observe a moment of silence for the lives lost. This is honored at 8:46 a.m., the time that the first plane crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center.
- Visiting a memorial. The National Day of Service and Remembrance is a difficult day for many people all across the world, but especially in America. People often find some solace when visiting memorial tributes and prayer vigils. There are many memorials that you can walk through to honor the victims in your own private way.
- Attend a Patriot Day ceremony or watch documentaries. If you live close enough to an area where you can attend a ceremony, you can partake in a moment of silence with others and hear stories about people who lost their lives, families, emergency workers, and more. If attending a ceremony is not possible, watching 9/11 documentary with your family will help you observe the day.
We will never forget!
Laura Goguet