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Patriot Day
Author: Derek Jensen
What does Patriot Day commemorate?
Patriot Day is a day of remembrance in the United States set aside in honor of the victims of the September 11th terrorist attacks. It is often referred to by the date of the attacks as 9/11 or September 11th.
When is Patriot Day?
September 11th
Who observes this day?
The citizens and people of the United States observe this day.
What do people do to commemorate this day?
The most important part of observing this day is a moment of silence that occurs at 8:46am Eastern time. This is when the first plane struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center. This is a time of prayer and remembrance of the victims who lost their lives in the terrible attack. It is also a time to reflect on freedom as well as the heroes who gave their lives saving others.
The United States Flag is to be flown at half-mast wherever it is flown including government buildings and private homes. Patriot Day is not a federal holiday so schools, businesses, and government offices generally remain open.
There are special services at the locations where the attacks took place. These include the 9/11 memorial in New York where the Twin Towers used to stand, the field in Pennsylvania where Flight 93 crashed, and the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. During these services leaders such as the President of the United States or the Mayor of New York will attend and give a speech.
History of Patriot Day
On September 11, 2001 the United States was attacked by an Islamic terrorist group called al-Qaeda. They hijacked four large passenger airplanes. Two of the planes they crashed into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. Another plane was crashed into the Pentagon. The fourth plane was forced by the passengers to crash into a field in Pennsylvania before it could do worse damage. Around 3,000 people were killed.
At first the anniversary of the attacks was called a day of Prayer and Remembrance for the Victims of the Terrorists Attacks. It was later given the name Patriot Day. The official resolution to observe the day was introduced by New York Congressman Vito Fossella. It was signed into law by President George W. Bush.
Facts About Patriot Day
- There are two reflecting pools at the National September 11 Memorial. They each match the footprint of the Twin Tower building that once stood at the site. The name of every person who died in the attack is inscribed in bronze panels around the outside of the pools.
- Architects Michael Arad and Peter Walker designed the National September 11 Memorial.
- There is another holiday with a similar name in the United States called Patriot's Day. This day commemorates the Battle of Lexington and Concord from the Revolutionary War.
- Osama bin Laden was the leader of the al-Qaeda terrorists responsible for the attacks. He was killed around ten years later in 2011.
September Holidays
Labor Day
Grandparents Day
Patriot Day
Constitution Day and Week
Rosh Hashanah
Talk Like a Pirate Day
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