Patriot Day is a holiday that commemorates the lives of those who died in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Virginia, as well as those who perished when the hijacked United Airlines Flight 93 crashed in Pennsylvania. First observed in 2002, Patriot Day is observed with a moment of silence at 8:46– corresponding with the time the attacks started– and with flags being flown at half-staff in front of all U.S. government buildings. These observances are often accompanied by opportunities for volunteerism at the local level.
In the local area, the non-profit organization Carry the Load will be organizing volunteer opportunities, opens a new window at the military cemeteries in Quantico, Culpeper, and Richmond; and the Tunnel to Towers Foundation will be hosting an arena climb, opens a new window at the Fred Nats stadium to raise money to honor first responders and military heroes on the following Sunday, September 14.
Learn more about the history of this impactful day with the resources below:
