Patriot Day 2026
cultureSaturday, September 11, 2027
361 days from today · next occurrence
About Patriot Day
Patriot Day is the United States' annual remembrance of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, held every year on September 11. On that morning, hijacked airliners struck the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon near Washington, D.C., while passengers forced a fourth plane down in a Pennsylvania field. Nearly three thousand people from more than ninety countries were killed, making it the deadliest attack on American soil.
The day is solemn rather than festive. American flags fly at half-staff nationwide, and moments of silence mark the times of each impact and the fall of the towers. In New York, the names of the victims are read aloud at the National September 11 Memorial, and ceremonies in Arlington and Shanksville honor those who died there.
Congress and successive presidents have designated September 11 as both Patriot Day and a National Day of Service and Remembrance, encouraging Americans to volunteer in their communities. The observance honors the victims, the first responders who ran toward danger, and the resilience that followed.
When is Patriot Day?
| Year | Date | Weekday |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | September 11, 2026 | Friday |
| 2027 | September 11, 2027 | Saturday |
| 2028 | September 11, 2028 | Monday |
| 2029 | September 11, 2029 | Tuesday |
| 2030 | September 11, 2030 | Wednesday |
History of Patriot Day
President George W. Bush proclaimed the first Patriot Day on September 6, 2002, less than a year after the attacks, and Congress formalized the annual observance through joint resolutions. In 2009, the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act added the National Day of Service and Remembrance designation, turning grief into volunteerism as a lasting tribute. The date is distinct from the regional Patriots' Day in April, which commemorates Revolutionary War battles in Massachusetts and Maine. Over two decades the anniversary has grown into permanent memorials: the twin reflecting pools at Ground Zero opened in 2011, the One World Observatory rose above them, and the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania draws thousands each September for its evening service.
How to Celebrate Patriot Day
- Observe the national moments of silence, especially at 8:46 a.m., the time of the first impact.
- Fly the American flag at half-staff or display it at home.
- Volunteer or donate in honor of the National Day of Service and Remembrance.
- Thank a firefighter, police officer, or emergency medical worker in your community.
- Visit a local 9/11 memorial or watch the name-reading ceremony from New York.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is Patriot Day?
- Patriot Day is observed every year on September 11, the anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States.
- Is Patriot Day a public holiday?
- No. Patriot Day is a national day of remembrance, not a federal public holiday, so schools, banks, and government offices follow normal schedules. Flags fly at half-staff and moments of silence mark the morning's timeline.
- How do people observe Patriot Day?
- People observe the day with moments of silence, flag ceremonies, memorial visits, and volunteer service. Many communities hold candlelight vigils and thank first responders.
- What is the difference between Patriot Day and Patriots' Day?
- Patriot Day on September 11 remembers the 2001 attacks nationwide. Patriots' Day is a regional April holiday in Massachusetts and Maine marking Revolutionary War battles like Lexington and Concord.