For Patriots' Day, which observes the battles of Lexington and Concord on the third Monday of every April, click here.
Fire Truck on the streets of New York
Photo © Robert Linder at SXC
Patriot Day was created in 2001 by the United States Government to observe the patriotism that was shown on and as a result of attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001. President George Bush signed the observance into law on December 18, 2001. Each year the President can proclaim the holiday, and ask government agencies to observe the holiday by flying a flag at half-staff. Proclamations also ask citizens to remember those that were lost on September 11, and cite the “courage and selflessness of our first responders, service-members , and fellow citizens who served our Nation in its greatest hour of need”. The proclamation also calls on the people of the United States to participate in community service, to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities, and to observe a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. eastern time.
In 2009, President Barack Obama signed the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, which also recognizes September 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. The Act asks Americans to make enduring commitments to serve their community and Nation.
Patriot Day is always observed on September 11, whether it is on a weekday or weekend.
| Day | Date | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday | September 11 | 2011 |
| Tuesday | September 11 | 2012 |
| Wednesday | September 11 | 2013 |
| Thursday | September 11 | 2014 |
| Friday | September 11 | 2015 |
Send Letters - Send letters of thanks to military members overseas or local firefighters.
Moment of Silence – Observe a moment of silence for those who lost their lives during the attacks.
Community Service – Opportunities for Community Service include working at food banks and area beautification