Patriot Day: The Law And Its History

Patriot Day became law in the United States on December 18, 2001, when it was designated as an annual observance day by a joint resolution of the U.S. Congress. The day, which occurs on September 11 each year, commemorates the lives of those who died in the 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Virginia, and United Airlines Flight 93, which crashed in Pennsylvania.

Patriot Day is not a federal holiday

Patriot Day, observed annually on September 11, commemorates those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. It is not a federal holiday in the United States, meaning government offices, public offices, schools, and businesses remain open. However, memorial ceremonies are often held to honour the victims of the attacks.

Patriot Day is a solemn occasion to remember the tragic events of 9/11 and to honour the nearly 3000 innocent people whose lives were cut short. It is a day to reflect on the bravery and unity demonstrated in the face of immense adversity. The day is marked by several traditions and observances across the nation.

The United States flag is flown at half-staff at the White House and all government buildings across the country and worldwide. Americans are also encouraged to display flags at their homes. A moment of silence is observed at 8:46 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, marking the time the first plane struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center. This moment of silence is a powerful way to honour the victims and show unity as a nation.

In addition to the moment of silence, various memorial ceremonies and outreach programs are held. These may include special church services, prayer meetings, or visits to memorials. Communities directly affected by the attacks often hold these commemorative events. People who experienced the events personally or lost loved ones may lay flowers or participate in other acts of remembrance.

While Patriot Day is not a federal holiday, it is a significant day of observance in the United States. It serves as a reminder of the resilience and unity of the American people in the face of tragedy. By honouring the victims and heroes of 9/11, the country demonstrates its commitment to never forget this pivotal moment in its history.

It is a public holiday in some states

Patriot's Day, commemorating the battles of Lexington and Concord, which were fought near Boston in 1775, is a public holiday in some states. In 1894, Governor Frederic T. Greenhalge proclaimed Patriots' Day in Massachusetts, replacing Fast Day as a public holiday. It was established on April 19, commemorating the date of the Battles of Lexington and Concord and the larger Battle of Menotomy in 1775.

Maine followed Massachusetts in 1907 and replaced its Fast Day with Patriot's Day. On June 10, 2017, Governor Dannel Malloy signed a bill establishing Patriots' Day as a statewide unpaid holiday in Connecticut, and Connecticut became the fifth state to recognize the holiday on April 16, 2018. On March 19, 2019, Governor Doug Burgum signed a bill recognizing Patriots' Day in North Dakota.

The holiday is also a public school observance day in Wisconsin. Florida law also encourages people to celebrate it, though it is not treated as a legal holiday. Connecticut and North Dakota also observe the day.

While it is a public holiday in some states, Patriots' Day is not a federal public holiday, and federal offices are open. Many schools are closed for spring break, and stores and other businesses may be open or closed according to local custom. Most public transit services run to reduced schedules and may not operate in rural areas.

Patriots' Day should not be confused with Patriot Day, held on September 11 to mark the anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks in the USA. Patriot Day is not a federal holiday; schools and businesses remain open, although memorial ceremonies for the victims are often held.

The day is marked by a moment of silence

On Patriot Day, Americans are called upon to observe a moment of silence to remember the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks. This moment of silence is a way to honour and pay respect to the 2,977 innocent people whose lives were cut short in one of the deadliest days on American soil.

The moment of silence is observed at 8:46 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, corresponding to the time the first plane, American Airlines Flight 11, struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center. This solemn moment allows people across the nation to unite in grief and reflect on the tragic events of that day. It is a time to remember not only those who perished in the attacks but also the first responders, firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency workers, and brave civilians who answered the call of duty and risked their lives to save others.

During the moment of silence, Americans are encouraged to set aside their differences and unite as a nation, regardless of race, gender, religion, origin, or economic status. It is a time to honour the victims and survivors, as well as the resilience and courage displayed in the face of unimaginable tragedy. The moment of silence is also a reminder of the patriotism and valour of the service members who pursued justice and protected the country in the aftermath of the attacks.

The day is not just about mourning but also about service and remembrance. Americans are encouraged to participate in community service and volunteer work, honouring those who lost their lives through acts of kindness and unity. The day serves as a reminder that even in the darkest times, Americans can come together and support one another.

Patriot Day, observed annually on September 11, is a day of reflection, gratitude, and remembrance. The moment of silence is a powerful tribute that allows the nation to heal, remember, and pay respect to those whose lives were forever changed by the tragic events of September 11, 2001.

The US flag is flown at half-staff

Patriot Day was designated by a joint resolution of the US Congress on December 18, 2001, and signed into law by then-President George W. Bush. The resolution calls for the president of the United States to issue a yearly proclamation requesting that all US flags be flown at half-staff. The flag should be displayed on the homes of Americans, the White House, and all US government buildings worldwide.

Patriot Day is not to be confused with Patriot's Day or Patriots Day, which is a legal holiday or special observance day in six US states, commemorating the battles of Lexington, Concord, and Menotomy, the inaugural battles of the American Revolutionary War. This holiday occurs on the third Monday of April each year.

The Boston Marathon is held on Patriots' Day

The Boston Marathon is the world's oldest and largest annual marathon, with about 20,000 registered participants and 500,000 spectators each year, making it New England's most popular sporting event. The race has been held annually on Patriots' Day since its inception in 1897, with the exception of 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Patriots' Day, observed on the third Monday of April, is a legal holiday in six U.S. states: Massachusetts, Maine, Connecticut, North Dakota, Florida, and Wisconsin. The holiday commemorates the Battles of Lexington, Concord, and Menotomy, which were the inaugural battles of the American Revolutionary War in 1775.

The Boston Marathon is the most significant celebration of Patriots' Day. The marathon links the Athenian and American struggles for liberty. The race has been held on Patriots' Day every year since 1897, including during the World War years, with the exception of the two years affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The tradition of holding the marathon on Patriots' Day creates a three-day long weekend, and the event is often referred to as "Marathon Monday".

The date of Patriots' Day, and consequently the Boston Marathon, was changed in 1969 to be observed on the third Monday of April. This change was made to create a long weekend and a vacation week for public schools and colleges in Massachusetts and Maine. The Boston Marathon is one of six World Marathon Majors and has become an iconic event, attracting participants and spectators from around the world.

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