Patriot Day in U.S. 2023: Date, History, Facts about Patriot’s Day

On September 11, Patriot Day affords us all the opportunity to reflect on the nearly 3,000 lives lost in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. We honour the deceased and give gratitude to the courageous first responders who risked their lives. Consider today what our nation stands for and how we can work together to make the world a better place for everyone.

The background of Patriot Day

When four aircraft were hijacked on September 11, 2001 (also known as 9/11), it was a terrifying day. The hijackers crashed three aircraft into two iconic structures: the Pentagon in Washington, DC, and the World Trade Centre Twin Towers in New York. The fourth plane fell in a field in Pennsylvania after passengers engaged the hijackers in combat. Nobody knows for certain where the plane was intended to crash, but some assume it was headed for the White House, the U.S. Capitol, the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland, or one of several eastern nuclear power plants.

This attack had a devastating effect. Around 3,000 lives were lost between plane passengers, those in the buildings that were struck, and front-line workers attempting to save people. It was the largest terrorist attack ever committed in the United States. Since then, many countries have increased aeroplane security in an effort to prevent future terrorist attacks similar to September 11th.

As people were trapped and stranded at the summit of the burning skyscraper, the majority of lives lost were those who worked in the Twin Towers, particularly on floors above the collision point. 411 men and women employed in emergency services perished while fighting fires and rescuing people from structures. It was a devastating attack, so President George W. Bush proclaimed Patriot Day, which is celebrated annually on September 11.

On Patriot Day, U.S. flags are lowered to half-staff and a national moment of silence is observed at 8:46 a.m. (Eastern Daylight Time), the time when the first aircraft struck one of the Twin Towers. Although the attacks occurred in the United States, Patriot Day is celebrated globally because the news devastated and affected people everywhere.

5 FACTS CONCERNING PATRIOT’S DAY

There were a total of 19 individuals involved in the hijackings.

Approximately 75% to 85% of victims were male.

Approximately 123 billion dollars were lost in the first two to four weeks after the incident.

It cost approximately $750 million to remove the debris.

In 1993, there was a bombing that killed six persons.

PATRIOT DAY DATES