When:
September 11, 2018 all-day
2018-09-11T00:00:00-04:00
2018-09-12T00:00:00-04:00

Significance of Patriot Day 2018

Patriot Day 2018, also referred to as 9/11 or September 11, is a holiday observed annually on September 11. It is a day dedicated to remembering and paying tribute to the 2,977 people killed and numerous people who were injured during the terrorist attacks on September 11,2001, in New York, Washington DC and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, in the United States. This holiday should not be confused with Patriots’ Day: the anniversary of the beginning of the American Revolution and the holiday celebrated in Massachusetts, Maine, and other states.

History of Patriot Day

On September 11, 2001, four jet planes were hijacked. The hijackers then deliberately flew three of the planes into the New York World Trade Centre and the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, causing the deaths of 2,977 people. The fourth plane (United Airlines Flight 93) was directed at Washington DC, but its passengers bravely attempted to take back control and it crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. These attacks, because of the loss of life and damage caused, form the biggest act of terrorism ever on United States soil.

The attacks did not only have an immense economic impact on the United Sates but additionally brought increased attention to national security. This has had huge implications for United States national and international politics (particularly for the relationships between the United States and Islamic countries in the Middle East).

Patriot Day 2018 is recognized by United States law as the official day of remembrance for these tragic events, and has been observed every year since the attacks. Although the attacks took place within the United Stated, the shock and grief experienced in response to the attacks was shared throughout the world, and for this reason Patriot Day 2018 will be observed, not only in America, but across the world.

Traditions of Patriot Day 2018

Traditionally, Patriot Day 2018 is viewed as a time of honor and remembrance. Annually, on this day, American flags are flown at half-staff. The United State President asks fellow Americans to observe a moment of silence at 8.46am (Eastern Daylight Time), the time of the first plane collision into the North Tower of the World Trade Centre.

Even though Patriot Day 2018 is not a federal holiday, some people and organizations may take some time out to hold prayers for the victims of the attacks, but these do not usually affect public life for more than a few minutes.