Today, 11th September is observed as Patriot Day in the US.
The commemoration gives citizens all time to reflect on the devastating terror attacks that claimed several lives in America on 11th September 2001. The event remembers those who died and give thanks to the brave first responders who put their lives on the line.
On September 4, 2002, President Bush issued the first proclamation designating September 11 as Patriot Day. Proclamations have been issued in subsequent years, and since 2009, the presidential proclamation has also designated the day as the National Day of Service and Remembrance.
The bravery of American citizens and uniformed personnel in the face of one of the world’s most terrible terrorist attacks is celebrated on Patriot Day.
It was a terrifying day when four planes were hijacked on 11 September 2001, also known as 9/11. The hijackers flew three planes into iconic buildings: the Pentagon in Washington DC and the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York.
The fourth plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania after the plane passengers fought the hijackers. Nobody is certain where it was supposed to crash, but some people believe it was headed for the White House, the U.S. Capitol, the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland, or one of several nuclear power plants along the eastern seaboard.
The impact of this attack was devastating. Around 3,000 lives were lost between plane passengers, those in the buildings that were struck, and front-line workers trying to save people. It was the biggest act of terrorism ever in the United States. Since then, airplane security has become stricter in many countries as they attempt to avoid a future terrorist attack like nine-eleven.
The majority of lives that were people that worked in the Twin Towers, especially the floors above the collision point as people were trapped and stranded at the top of the burning skyscraper. 411 men and women working in emergency services lost their lives trying to fight fires and rescue people from the buildings. It was a heartbreaking attack, which is why Patriot Day was proclaimed by President George W. Bush and is recognized every year on September 11.
On Patriot Day, U.S. flags are lowered halfway, and there is a country-wide moment of silence at 8:46 am (Eastern Daylight Time), which is when the first plane crashed into one of the Twin Towers. Although the attacks were in the U.S., Patriot Day is recognized worldwide as the news devastated and impacted people all over.
