The keyword phrase functions as a proper noun phrase. It designates a specific, unique entity: the edition of The New York Times newspaper pertaining to the events of that particular date. In this construction, the date "September 11th, 2001" acts as an adjectival modifier, specifying which issue of the proper noun "New York Times" is the subject.
Grammatically, the core of the phrase is the proper noun "New York Times," the title of a publication. The preceding date, "September 11th, 2001," serves to pinpoint a singular instance of that publication. This structure is common when referencing specific documents, reports, or artifacts tied to a historical moment. The date component narrows the reference from the general publication to a precise historical object, functioning similarly to an adjective in that it describes or specifies the noun it precedes.
Identifying the phrase as a proper noun is crucial because it establishes the article's subject as a specific thinga tangible document and the information it contains. This classification directs the focus toward an analysis of the newspaper's content, its journalistic approach on that day, its historical impact, or its cultural significance. The subject is the object itself, not an action (verb) or a quality (adjective), thereby setting the analytical frame for the entire article.