Why are flags lowered?
The half-staff display honors those who died in the September 11 attacks and recognizes the service and sacrifice of responders.
Patriot Day Half-Staff Guidance
Patriot Day remembers those killed in the September 11 attacks and honors the courage of responders.
The day in one line
Half-staff from sunrise to sunset on September 11
The annual display is requested by 36 U.S.C. 144.
Does the President issue an annual proclamation?
Yes. Federal law designates September 11 as Patriot Day and requests an annual presidential proclamation calling for the half-staff display.
When are flags lowered?
From sunrise to sunset on September 11.
The events the day remembers
On September 11, 2001, terrorists hijacked four commercial airplanes. Two struck the World Trade Center, one struck the Pentagon, and passengers and crew resisted aboard Flight 93 before it crashed near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The attacks killed 2,977 people from more than 90 nations.
How Patriot Day was established
Congress designated September 11 as Patriot Day in December 2001 through Public Law 107-89. The law requests an annual presidential proclamation calling for remembrance programs, flags at half-staff, and a moment of silence.
What the observance asks us to remember
Patriot Day remembers the victims at the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and aboard Flight 93. It also honors survivors, first responders, rescue and recovery workers, and the extraordinary acts of courage and compassion that followed the attacks.