History of Patriot Day in Timeline
Patriot Day in the United States is observed annually on September 11th to commemorate the victims of the September 11th terrorist attacks that occurred in 2001.
September 11, 2001: September 11 Terrorist Attacks
On September 11, 2001 terrorists affiliated with Al-Qaeda attacked the United States.
September 14, 2001: National Week of Prayer and Remembrance
On September 14, 2001, President George W. Bush declared September 14, 2001 a National Week of Prayer and Remembrance for the victims of the September 11th attacks.
October 25, 2001: Patriot Day Introduced to the House
On October 25, 2001, Rep Vito Fossella (R-NY), along with 22 cosponsors, introduced a bill to the U.S. House to make September 11 a national day of mourning.
2001: September 11 Terrorist Attacks
On September 11, 2001, terrorists attacked the United States, leading to the deaths of thousands of people. This event is what led to the creation of Patriot Day.
September 11, 2002: First Patriot Day
September 11, 2002 was officially proclaimed the first Patriot Day.
2009: Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance
From 2009 onward, U.S. presidents have issued proclamations or executive orders to recognize Patriot Day, sometimes combining it with other observances. For example, President Barack Obama combined it with the National Day of Service and Remembrance from 2009 to 2016.
2016: Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance
2016 marked the last year President Obama combined Patriot Day with the National Day of Service and Remembrance.
2017: Patriot Day and National Days of Prayer and Remembrance
In 2017, President Donald Trump proclaimed September 8-10 as National Days of Prayer and Remembrance and September 11 as Patriot Day.
2018: Patriot Day and National Days of Prayer and Remembrance
In 2018, President Trump again proclaimed September 8-10 as National Days of Prayer and Remembrance and September 11 as Patriot Day.
2019: Patriot Day and National Days of Prayer and Remembrance
In 2019, President Trump again proclaimed September 8-10 as National Days of Prayer and Remembrance and September 11 as Patriot Day.
2020: Patriot Day and National Days of Prayer and Remembrance
In 2020, President Trump again proclaimed September 8-10 as National Days of Prayer and Remembrance and September 11 as Patriot Day.
2021: President Biden Officially Recognizes Patriot Day
President Biden issued an Executive Order for Patriot Day in 2021.
2022: President Biden Officially Recognizes Patriot Day
President Biden issued an Executive Order for Patriot Day in 2022.
2023: President Biden Officially Recognizes Patriot Day
President Biden issued an Executive Order for Patriot Day in 2023.
2024: President Biden Officially Recognizes Patriot Day
President Biden issued an Executive Order for Patriot Day in 2024.