National Today Monday September 11 * Patriot Day *

Patriot Day
A time to reflect on the devastating 9/11 terror attacks that took nearly 3,000 lives.








On September 11, Patriot Day gives all of us time to reflect on the devastating terror attacks that took nearly 3,000 lives. We commemorate those who we lost and give thanks to the brave first responders who put their lives on the line. Take a moment today to consider what we stand for as a nation and how we can work together to make the world a better place for all.

When is Patriot Day 2023?

The bravery of American citizens and uniformed personnel in the face of one of the world’s most terrible terrorist attacks is remembered on Patriot Day on September 11.

History of Patriot Day

It was a terrifying day when four planes were hijacked on September 11, 2001 (also known as nine-eleven). The hijackers flew three planes into iconic buildings: the Pentagon in Washington DC and the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York. The fourth plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania after the plane passengers fought the hijackers. Nobody is certain where it was supposed to crash, but some people believe it was headed for the White House, the U.S. Capitol, the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland, or one of several nuclear power plants along the eastern seaboard.

The impact of this attack was devastating. Around 3,000 lives were lost between plane passengers, those in the buildings that were struck, and front-line workers trying to save people. It was the biggest act of terrorism ever in the United States. Since then, airplane security has become stricter in many countries as they attempt to avoid a future terrorist attack like nine-eleven.

The majority of lives that were people that worked in the Twin Towers, especially the floors above the collision point as people were trapped and stranded at the top of the burning skyscraper. 411 men and women working in emergency services lost their lives trying to fight fires and rescue people from the buildings. It was a heartbreaking attack, which is why Patriot Day was proclaimed by President George W. Bush and is recognized every year on September 11.

On Patriot Day, U.S. flags are lowered halfway, and there is a country-wide moment of silence at 8:46 am (Eastern Daylight Time), which is when the first plane crashed into one of the Twin Towers. Although the attacks were in the U.S., Patriot Day is recognized worldwide as the news devastated and impacted people all over.


Traditions of the Day

Every year since the tragic day of September 11, 2001, all American citizens come together to remember and honor the fallen. Fighting valiantly till the end, their lives and stories are forever memorialized and illuminate this dark day in history.  

Moments of silences are observed several times during the day. The timings correspond with the terrorist attacks, with the first one starting at 8:46 A.M. EDT and the last one at 10:28 A.M EDT. Patriot Day is a difficult day for many, with some solace found in the memorial tributes to those who lost their lives, and through support groups dedicated to spreading kindness and comfort to families today. Memorial events and prayer vigils are participated in across the country.

Today, reflecting and remembering the events that took place in 2001 reminds people of the sensitivity of time and the importance of standing united as a nation.

By The Numbers

2977 – the number of innocent lives lost on 9/11.

343 – the number of lives lost on 9/11 who were New York City firefighters.

23 – the number of lives lost on 9/11 who were NYPD officers.

37 – the number of lives lost on 9/11 who were police officers from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

19 – the number of terrorists who hijacked the planes on 9/11.

60% – the percentage of victims of the 9/11 attacks whose remains have been identified.

3:1 – the ratio of men to women who died.

184 – the number of people killed when American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon.

36,000 – the units of blood donated to the New York Blood Center on 9/11.

300 – the number of firefighters on leave for respiratory problems from 9/11 by January 2002.



How to honor Patriot Day


   Attend a Patriot Day ceremony

   If you live close enough to an area where you can attend a ceremony, it’s one of the best ways to honor those impacted. You’ll partake in a moment of silence with everyone else and hear stories about people who lost their lives, families, emergency workers, and more.

   Visit a memorial

   If a ceremony isn’t for you, there are also a ton of memorials where you can silently and independently walk through to honor in your own, private way. Many show the real stories and names of people who were killed in the incident.

   Participate in a moment of silence

   Although the most recognized moment of silence is when the first plane crashed into the first tower at 8:46 am Eastern Daylight Time, there are a few other times where people take a moment of silence, such as when the other planes crashed and when the first tower fell. These times are at 9:03 am, 9:37 am, 9:59 am, 10:03 am, and 10:28 am.


5 Facts About Patriot's Day

   The attack was orchestrated by Osama bin Laden

   There were a total of 19 men that hijacked the planes.

   The majority of the victims were men

   It was around 75%-85% of victims that were male.

   The economy was severely impacted

   There were about 123 billion dollars in economic loss during the first 2-4 weeks after the incident.

   The clean up was costly

   It cost about $750 million to clean up the debris.

   Nine-eleven was the second attack on the World Trade Center

   There was a bombing that killed 6 people in 1993.

Why Patriot Day is Important


   To recognize the lives lost

   With nearly 3,000 lives lost during the attack, it’s important to take a moment and recognize those whose lives were cut short. Workers of all kinds were impacted, and so were their families. Honoring those who gave up their lives to save others and others who were impacted is important for families and friends.

   To remember future safety for everyone

   With an attack as deadly as nine-eleven, it’s important to remember how much security has advanced throughout the years. Remembering this attack will ensure people take necessary measures to keep people safe when traveling, going to work, or attending public events.

   To listen and hear the stories of those impacted

   As gruesome and upsetting as many of the stories around this event are, it’s important to give people who were impacted the chance to share their stories. By talking about personal events to other people, we can honor those involved and remind ourselves about the importance of safety.