What is Patriot Day?

Patriot Day honors the victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, and pays tribute to the emergency personnel and ordinary citizens who risked their lives during and after the attacks.

Patriot Day 

September 11, 2001, was a defining moment in American history. On September 11, 2001, our nation was attacked and many innocent people died. By a joint resolution approved December 18, 2001, the United States Congress designated September 11 of each year asPatriot Day. On Patriot Day, we remember the innocent victims, and pay tribute to the firefighters, police officers, emergency personnel, and ordinary citizens who risked their lives so others might live.

World Trade Center (WTC) Memorial 
Construction of the Memorial began in 2006, and is scheduled to open before the 10th anniversary on September 11, 2011. You can now visit the preview site of the National September 11 Memorial and Museum at the World Trade Center. At the site you can view the plans and progress of the memorial and museum. For more information, please visit the Visitor Resources web page.

Pentagon Memorial 
Shortly after the attack, Congress authorized the U.S. Secretary of Defense to create a permanent memorial on the grounds of the Pentagon.

Flight 93 National Memorial  
During the September 11 attack, four commercial airliners were hijacked and used to strike targets on the ground. Because of the actions of the 40 passengers and crew aboard Flight 93, an attack on the U.S. Capitol or White House was thwarted. A national memorial was erected in their honor in Shanksville, PA. You may view answers to frequently asked questions for more details.

The USA.gov 9/11 Commemorations and Information web page has additional information and resources relating to September 11, 2001.

Additional Resources:

• 9/11 Commission Records
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security 9/11 Anniversary Progress and Priorities
• September 11 Memorial and Navy Memorial Virtual Tour

by usa.gov team