Yes, Patriot Day is the official name for the annual observance held in the United States on September 11. It serves as a day of remembrance for the nearly 3,000 people who were killed in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The core of the query revolves around the proper noun "Patriot Day" and its direct association with a specific date.
The designation was formalized shortly after the events. On December 18, 2001, President George W. Bush signed into law U.S. House Joint Resolution 71, which became Public Law 107-89. This law officially designates September 11 of each year as "Patriot Day." By presidential proclamation, it is a national day of observance where the American flag is to be flown at half-staff on all U.S. government buildings and establishments. The proclamation also calls for a nationwide moment of silence to correspond with the time of the first attack.
It is important to note that Patriot Day is a national observance, not a federal holiday; therefore, schools and businesses typically remain open. In 2009, Congress further named September 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance, encouraging Americans to engage in charitable service and community activities as a tribute to the victims, survivors, and responders of the attacks. This dual designation underscores the day's purpose as one of both solemn remembrance and constructive, positive action.
