The establishment of Patriot Day originated as a direct response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The United States Congress passed House Joint Resolution 71, which was then signed into law as Public Law 107-89 by President George W. Bush on December 18, 2001. This act officially designated September 11th of each year as a national day of remembrance for the individuals who lost their lives in the attacks.
The legislation directs the President to issue an annual proclamation calling on all U.S. government agencies and interested organizations to display the flag of the United States at half-staff. It further requests that the American people observe the day with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, the moment the first plane struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center. The name "Patriot Day" was chosen to honor the patriotism and unity displayed by citizens following the attacks.
This observance is legally distinct from Patriots' Day, a regional holiday in several New England states commemorating Revolutionary War battles. In 2009, the scope of Patriot Day was expanded when the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act designated September 11th as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. This addition encourages Americans to participate in community service and charitable activities as a tribute to the victims, survivors, and first responders of the 2001 attacks.
