Patriot Day

Patriot Day is observed each September 11 in remembrance of the people killed in the 2001 terrorist attacks. The observance also recognizes the courage and service of emergency responders and others who aided victims in New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania.

Federal law requests that the United States flag be flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset on Patriot Day. The direction applies nationwide for the full day according to local sunrise and sunset times.

Patriot Day is an annual observance established by federal law, so the half-staff schedule recurs without requiring a new proclamation each year.