It’s been 24 years since terrorists launched an attack on American soil, killing almost 3,000 people in New York City, Virginia and a Pennsylvania field less than 300 miles from the New York border.
To honor the memory of those victims and recognize the courage of the first responders and service members who served after the attacks, the U.S. observes Patriot Day after Public Law 107-89 was signed in December 2001.
Here’s what to know.
What happened on Sept. 11, 2001?
Three NYC firemen, George Johnson and Dan McWilliams and Bill Eisengrein, raise an American flag near the rubble of the World Trade Center. Taken at 5:01 p.m. on Sept. 11, 2001.
Terrorists associated with Islamist extremist group al-Qaeda hijacked four commercial airplanes scheduled to fly from the east coast to California.
Two of the planes were intentionally flown into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, the third was flown into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia and a fourth headed toward Washington D.C. crashed in a Pennsylvania field near the town of Shanksville after passengers and crew members aboard the plane launched a counterattack.
Why are flags flying at half-staff today?
In observance of Patriot Day, U.S. flags on all governmental buildings should be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset across the country, including in New York, on Thursday, Sept. 11.
President Donald Trump also released a proclamation on Wednesday, Sept. 10 declaring all flags to be flown at half-staff until sunset on Sunday, Sept. 14 “as a mark of respect for the memory of Charlie Kirk” after the conservative influencer and founder of Turning Point USA was shot and killed during a speaking event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah on Sept. 10.
NY leaders react: Charlie Kirk shot during Utah speaking event
Is Patriot Day a federal holiday?
No, Patriot Day is not a federal holiday. Government offices will be open and mail will be delivered.
Public law passed in US to designate Sept. 11 as Patriot Day
In December 2001, a law was passed to designate Sept. 11 as Patriot Day. The law requests the president to issue a proclamation calling on:
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All state and local governments to observe Patriot Day with programs and activities.
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Everyone to fly the U.S. flag at half-staff in honor of those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001.
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Everyone to observe a moment of silence to honor those who were killed.
What to know: When does daylight saving time end?
Additional law designates Sept. 11 as National Day of Service, Remembrance
In 2009, Public Law 111-13 was passed, designating Sept. 11 at the National Day of Service and Remembrance.
Emily Barnes reports on consumer-related issues for the USA TODAY Network’s New York Connect Team, focusing on scam and recall-related topics. Follow her on X and Instagram @byemilybarnes. Get in touch at ebarnes@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Why are flags at half-staff today in NY? Here’s what to know