Patriot Day

Every year since September 11, 2002, the United States recognizes September 11 as Patriot Day. But what is Patriot Day? I know many of those who are Millennials and older remember September 11, 2001 like it was yesterday, but I was humbled when I mentioned the date to my own children and they had no idea what I was talking about.

On September 11, we honor those who perished in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. I personally have had the honor to visit one of the sites of these attacks- The World Trade Centers. I remember being in 4th grade and our class taking the yearly field trip to NYC back in 1994. We climbed to the top of the Statue of Liberty and could look out and see the “Twin Towers”. I never really knew their significance, just that they were really cool-looking.

Then, 9/11 happened, and we were sitting in class watching as the second airplane crashed into the second tower. I had a flashback of that day standing in the crown of the Statue of Liberty and was brought to tears. Then, we heard reports of planes going down near DC and in Pennsylvania. Being in New Jersey at the time, we kept asking- Where next? There were so many images of destruction and chaos. Our Junior Year trip to NYC was canceled because of the destructive aftermath.

Since that date, every year on September 11, the acting President sends out an Executive order for Patriot Day. Americans are encouraged to fly their flags at half-mast and observe a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. (EST)-the time the first plane, American Airlines Flight 11, struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center. 

On September 11, 2011, the 9/11 Memorial was opened to the public in NYC. This site is so ominous and beautiful at the same time. Seeing all the names of those who were in the building and/or sacrificed their lives to save others is beyond humbling. To stand in this park and know that years before there were expansive buildings that were just destroyed and that 2,996 lives taken is just beyond words. The 9/11 Memorial website has a ton of information about the museum itself and tools to help you plan a visit.

So this September 11th, I hope you sit and reflect on the events that happened that day. If you have children, talk to them about it as it is a huge part of American history.

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