Celebrate the spirit of freedom with a Patriot Day observance. The day is not a federal holiday, so businesses and schools do not close. Public transportation services also run on regular schedules. However, some people do hold prayers for 9/11 victims on the day. While such prayers are private, they do not disrupt the normal flow of life.
Celebrations
The Patriot Day observance is an important day in the United States. On this day, Americans lower their American flags to half-mast and observe a moment of silence. The purpose of this observance is to remember the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the sacrifice they made. Besides the moment of silence, Americans celebrate Patriot Day in a number of other ways.
The 9/11 attacks left almost 3,000 people dead, so it is fitting to celebrate this day to commemorate their lives. President George W. Bush’s proclamation in 2002 first commemorated the day. The attacks on September 11, 2001, fueled increased government efforts to combat terrorism. The attacks were also marked by a national mourning period.
Traditions
Patriot Day is a day set aside to remember the victims of the September 11th attacks and the sacrifices made by American citizens. It is observed by citizens of the United States and many other nations. The flag is flown at half-mast from sunrise to sunset. The president proclaims it a national day of mourning and calls for the nation to remain vigilant and to honor the victims of 9/11. If you can’t flag your flag at half staff then the use of a mourning ribbing is recommended.
Patriots’ Day commemorates the battles of Lexington and Concord, which were fought near Boston in 1775. Patriots’ Day is annually held on the third Monday of April. It should not be confused with Patriot Day, held on September 11 to mark the anniversary of terrorist attacks in the USA in 2001.
Ceremony
Alabama Events
| City / Area | Event | Date & Time | Location | Notes / Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vestavia Hills / Mountain Brook / Homewood | Patriot Day Remembrance Ceremony | Thursday, September 11, 2025 – 8:30 a.m.Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce | Vestavia Hills Civic Center, 1090 Montgomery Highway Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce | Joint event among these cities. Public ceremony. Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce |
| Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills, Homewood | 9/11 Day of Remembrance & Patriot Day Ceremony | Thursday, September 11, 2025 – 8:30-10:00 a.m.Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce | Vestavia Hills Civic Center Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce | Hosted jointly by these cities; open to public. Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce |
| Enterprise, AL | Ceremony at the Wall of Freedom | Thursday, September 11, 2025 – 7:30 a.m.enterpriseal.gov | Entrance of Johnny Henderson Family Park, Enterprise, AL enterpriseal.gov | Includes remarks by Mayor and military leaders, choir, JROTC, wreath-laying, bell-ringing, moment of silence. enterpriseal.gov |
| Prattville, AL | Honor & Remembrance 9/11 Ceremony | Thursday, September 11, 2025 – 7:30-8:30 a.m.prattvilleal.gov | Public Safety Building, 201 Gin Shop Hill Road, Prattville prattvilleal.gov | Early morning event; honors those who lost lives and first responders. prattvilleal.gov |
Georgia Events
| City / Area | Event | Date & Time | Location | Notes / Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johns Creek, GA | Patriot Day Commemoration | Thursday, September 11, 2025 – 8:30 a.m.johnscreekga.gov | Mark Burkhalter Amphitheater, Newtown Park, 3150 Old Alabama Road johnscreekga.gov | Includes a moment of silence, bell ringing; free to attend. johnscreekga.gov |
| Avondale Estates, GA | 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony | Thursday, September 11, 2025 – 8:30 a.m.avondaleestates.org | Dewey C. Brown Plaza, across from City Hall, 21 N Avondale Plz avondaleestates.org | Ceremony includes bell ringing at 8:46 a.m. time-of-impact remembrance; silent reflection. avondaleestates.org |
| Cherokee County (Canton), GA | Annual Patriot Day Ceremony | Thursday, September 11, 2025 – 8:30 a.m.Facebook+1 | Public Safety Memorial in Canton Facebook+1 | |
| Milledgeville, GA | 12th Annual Patriot Day Ceremony | Thursday, September 11, 2025 – 7:40 a.m.visitmilledgeville.org | Grant Parade Field, Georgia Military College, 201 E. Greene Street, Milledgeville visitmilledgeville.org |
Here are some notable Patriot Day events planned for 2024 to honor those affected by the 9/11 attacks:
- Virginia War Memorial Annual Patriot Day Ceremony
- Richmond, VA, September 11, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.
- This event includes a wreath-laying ceremony, a keynote speech from former Director of Naval Intelligence Lynn Wright, and a performance by the Virginia Barbershop Chorus.
- More details(Virginia Department of Veterans Services).
- Patriot Awards Gala, San Antonio
- San Antonio, TX, October 3, 2024
- Hosted by the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, this black-tie event honors individuals promoting American core values.
- Event information and registration(CMOHSSATX).
- Local 5K Memorials and Ceremonies
- Across the U.S., cities like Savannah, GA, and Monterey Park, CA, will hold community races and remembrance ceremonies on September 11. These events are designed to honor first responders and victims.
- Details for Savannah’s event(National Today).
Educating future generations
Patriot Day is an annual national observance that honors the victims of the September 11 attacks. It is observed on September 11 each year and began in 2002 after President George W. Bush’s proclamation. This day honors those who lost their lives and pays tribute to all who have served this country. To mark this day, Americans are encouraged to volunteer in their communities and to enlist the help of those in need.
True patriots understand the value of their country and strive to contribute to its improvement. They stay with their country and are dedicated to its success, even when times are hard. True patriots are not afraid to stand up for their country during difficult times. https://www.youtube.com/embed/q843Ixv8FDw
