2026

PATRIOT AND NATIONAL DAY OF SERVICE & REMEMBRANCE

PATRIOT DAY  September 11

Fast Facts

OBSERVATION
Honors the memory of the nearly 3,000 victims who died in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks
DATE
Each year on September 11
ORIGIN
Proclaimed by President George W. Bush and later expanded by President Barrack Obama.
VIBE
Patriotic, Remembrance, Bravery

PATRIOT DAY AND NATIONAL DAY OF SERVICE & REMEMBRANCE

Patriot Day on September 11 honors the memory of the nearly 3,000 innocent victims who died in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Each year Americans dedicate this day to remembering those who died and the first responders who risked their own lives to save others.

#PatriotDay 

For many, September 11, 2001, began like any other weekday. We made our way to work. Children attended school. We shopped, had coffee, waited in line at a drive-thru. Those of us who weren't in New York City heard the first reports on the radio or television. A friend or neighbor alerted us to a plane flying into one of the Twin Towers. We felt disbelief. An accident, perhaps, a miscalculation. Then, a second plane flew into the second tower. Our disbelief turned into uncertainty and concern.

Those on the ground faced terror and obstacles they had never known. But, then, as a set of coordinated suicide attacks organized by the militant group Al Qaeda targeted the World Trade Center, the rest of the nation witnessed the unbelievable. And then a third plane crashed into The Pentagon. And yet another crashed into a field in Shanksville, PA.

8:46 AM EDT

American Airlines Flight #11 collides into the World Trade Center.

9:03 AM EDT

United Airlines Flight #175 collides into the World Trade Center South Tower.

9:37 AM EDT

American Airlines Flight #77 crashes into the Pentagon.

9:59 AM EDT

World Trade Center South Tower Collapses.

10:03 AM EDT

United Airlines Flight #93 crashes in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

10:28 AM EDT

World Trade Center North Tower Collapses.

September 13, 2001

In the immediate aftermath of the terrorist attacks, President George W. Bush proclaimed Friday, September 14, 2001, as a National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for the Victims of the Terrorist Attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001.

August 31, 2002

President George W. Bush proclaimed Friday, September 6, through Sunday, September 8, 2002, as National Days of Prayer and Remembrance.

September 4, 2002

President Bush proclaimed September 11, 2002, as the first Patriot Day.

September 9, 2016

President Barack Obama proclaimed September 11th as Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance.

Every year since that fateful day, the United States comes together to remember the fallen. We remember the first responders and those who made difficult decisions.

HOW TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT ON 9/11

  1. Attend Patriot Day ceremonies.

  2. Volunteer - While remembering the day, help an organization with meaning to you. Improve the lives of others and the world around you. Spread kindness. Offer them hope. Share your skills with those who need them most.

  3. Remember - Remember those killed in the attacks. Remember to stand united as a Nation. Join others in prayer vigils or memorial events.

  4. Use #PatriotDay or #NeverForget to post on social media and show your support.

  5. Visit any of the following websites to learn more about 9/11, including names of the victims:

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