Patriot Day facts for kids
Patriot Day is a special day of remembrance in the United States. It happens every year on September 11. On this day, Americans remember the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives in the attacks on September 11, 2001. Many people simply call this day "Nine-Eleven" or "9/11."
How Patriot Day Started
Patriot Day was officially created on October 25, 2001. The U.S. House of Representatives voted to approve a special request. This request asked the President to name September 11 as "Patriot Day" each year.
President George W. Bush signed this request into law on December 18, 2001. Then, on September 4, 2002, President Bush officially announced September 11, 2002, as the first Patriot Day.
How We Remember
On Patriot Day, the American flag is flown at half-staff. This means the flag is lowered to the middle of the flagpole. You will see flags at half-staff at homes, at the White House, and on all U.S. government buildings. This happens both in America and in other countries.
The President also asks everyone in America to observe a moment of silence. This moment of silence begins at 8:46 A.M. (Eastern Daylight Time). This is the exact time when the first plane hit the North Tower of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. It is a time for everyone to pause and remember those who were lost.
Images for kids
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A flag flies at half-staff on Patriot Day.
