Governor Spanberger orders flags to half-staff for Patriot Day

Governor Abigail D. Spanberger orders flags to half-staff in Virginia to honor Patriot Day and remember the nearly 3,000 innocent people killed in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The order also pays tribute to the firefighters, police officers, and first responders who rushed toward danger at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, as well as the passengers and flight attendants aboard Flight 93 who helped prevent another attack.

The commemoration recognizes the families who continue to carry the burden of that loss and the Americans who came together in the face of tragedy to comfort strangers and answer the call to serve. It is a public expression of remembrance for the lives lost and the courage shown on that day.

Flags of the United States of America and the Commonwealth of Virginia are to be lowered at sunrise on Friday, September 11, 2026, and remain at half-staff until sunset. The order applies to all local, state, and federal buildings and grounds in the Commonwealth of Virginia.