September 11 marks a tragic day in U.S. history, but the date has also been chosen to honor those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
On December 18, 2001, President George W. Bush officially designated September 11th as Patriot Day.
The day has also been designated as a day that the U.S. flag should be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sundown, not just until noon as is done on Memorial Day. In addition the people of the United States are asked to observe a moment of silence on Patriot Day in remembrance of the victims.
Patriot Day should not be confused with Patriot's Day, a regional holiday celebrated in New England on the third Monday in April which commemorates Paul Revere's ride and the battle of Lexington & Concord during the Revolutionary War. The Boston Marathon is run on Patriot's Day every year.
For a copy of the Public Law, visit the National Flag Foundation.
