One of the most important days in the calendar for residents of the USA is here, which is Patriots Day.
It is celebrated each year on the 11th of September, marking the 9/11 terror attacks which led to many deaths and incredible amounts of damage to New York City.
In the immediate aftermath of the attacks, carried out by terrorists from Al-Qaeda, President George W. Bush proclaimed Friday, September 14, 2001, as a National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for the Victims of the Terrorist Attacks on September 11, 2001.
It is not actually classed as being a federal holiday in the United States. In 2021, then-State Assemb. Lawler sponsored legislation to make September 11 a state holiday, although the measure failed to gain enough support for passage.
“Thousands of families have faced the repercussions of that day, especially the families of those who worked tirelessly on the pile, trying to find survivors and helping other families find closure,” Lawler said in a statement.
The September 11 attacks left nearly 3,000 dead in New York, Washington, D.C., and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, while thousands more, including first responders, have died in the past two decades of chronic health issues related to the toxic air and dust in lower Manhattan.
When did Patriots Day become a federal holiday?
Patriots Day is not currently a federal holiday but there are plenty of people that think it should be.
Rep. Anthony D’Esposito said: “I think that it’s up to us as individuals; up to us as leaders and up to those who are educators to make people understand that this is a day where we’re remembering and paying tribute.
“It’s not a day off. It’s not a mattress sale. It’s not a day to get a discount on a car. It’s a day to remember and honor the fallen who made that sacrifice on one of the worst attacks on American soil.”
Patriot Day dedicated to honor first responders
While Patriot Day doesn’t close down essential services, it remains a critical day of reflection for millions of Americans.
Many people participate in community service projects, attend candlelight vigils, or donate to organizations that support first responders and veterans.
The American flag is often flown at half-staff as a mark of respect, both at government buildings and private residences.