PATRIOT DAY : THE HONOR IN UNITED STATES

By Anshika Khera

Patriot Day is observed annually in the United States on September 11 to honor the memory of those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks of 2001. On this day, Americans remember the nearly 3,000 innocent people who were killed when hijacked planes struck the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon near Washington, D.C., and a field in Pennsylvania. It also pays tribute to the courage of first responders, firefighters, police officers, and ordinary citizens who risked and, in many cases, sacrificed their lives to save others.

Patriot Day is not a federal holiday, but it is a solemn occasion marked across the nation. At 8:46 a.m., the exact time the first plane hit the North Tower, Americans observe a moment of silence. The U.S. flag is flown at half-staff, and memorial services are held in cities and communities, most notably at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York.

The day is not only about mourning but also about unity and resilience. Patriot Day reminds people of the strength of the American spirit in the face of tragedy, encouraging reflection, compassion, and a renewed commitment to peace and national solidarity.