Honoring Patriot Day: Commemorations and Memorials

On September 11, 2001, terrorists hijacked four commercial airliners to strike targets in the United States. Nearly 3,000 people died as a result of the attacks.

By presidential proclamation, Americans are called on to observe Patriot Day each September 11 with a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 AM Eastern Daylight Time. They may also observe the day with ceremonies and activities, including remembrance services. Flags should be displayed at half-staff in honor of the individuals who lost their lives.

Many Americans will serve in their communities in honor of 9/11 as part of the National Day of Service and Remembrance. Service projects range from food drives and home repairs to neighborhood cleanups and disaster preparation activities. In many areas, volunteers will honor veterans, soldiers, or first responders by collecting donations, assembling care packages, and writing thank you letters.

Learn how you can participate in public service on the National Day of Service and Remembrance.

Other activities you may take related to 9/11:

• Read 9/11 stories, tell your 9/11 story, and upload images, documents, and other digital files at the September 11 Digital Archive.
• View the National Museum of American History's display of objects recovered from the three sites attacked that day.
• Visit the Library of Congress's eyewitness accounts and personal reactions to 9/11.
• View the September 11 National Medal from the U.S. Mint.

9/11 Memorials

• New York – Find a name on the 9/11 Memorial, and follow an interactive timeline of the recovery efforts at Ground Zero. A special section offers information for the loved onesof those killed in the attack. You also may download the 9/11 Memorial application, which tours the area around the World Trade Center, accompanied by photos and audio narration.
• Washington, DC – The Pentagon Memorial is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to allow the public to reflect on those who died there.
• Near Shanksville, Pennsylvania – The National Park Service hosts a commemoration ceremony at the Flight 93 National Memorial. View videos of the Flight 93 story, including a montage of the passengers and crew.

Keeping America Safe

Emergency responders continue to train and prepare for the possibility of future attacks. Learn how you can prepare for a disaster or emergency, or learn more about the National Terrorism Advisory System. You may also review the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's progress report of the 9/11 Commission recommendations.

The U.S. State Department recommends that U.S. citizens abroad enroll in the Smart Travelers Enrollment Program.