Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance

Every year on September 11, Patriot Day gives all of us time to reflect on the devastating terror attacks that took nearly 3,000 lives. We commemorate those who we lost and give thanks to the brave first responders who put their lives on the line. Private Home Care honors all of those who were victim to these attacks, as well as the courageous men and women who acted as heroes on that day and the weeks following.

The purpose of the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance is to transform the anniversary of 9/11 from a day of tragedy into a day of doing good. “We wanted to make sure the terrorists didn’t have the last word in forever defining for generations how America would remember and observe 9/11,” said 9/11 Day and MyGoodDeed co-founder David Paine. “We wanted instead to honor the victims and those who rose in service by keeping alive the spirit of unity and service that arose in the immediate aftermath of the September 11 attacks.”

It was a terrifying day when four planes were hijacked on September 11, 2001 (also known as nine-eleven). The hijackers flew three planes into iconic buildings: the Pentagon in Washington DC and the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York. The fourth plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania after the plane passengers fought the hijackers.

The impact of this attack was devastating. Around 3,000 lives were lost between plane passengers, those in the buildings that were struck, and front-line workers trying to save people. It was the biggest act of terrorism ever in the United States. However, as proud Americans we stood strong during this challenging time and came together as a country in solidarity.

On Patriot Day, U.S. flags are lowered halfway, and there is a country-wide moment of silence at 8:46 am (Eastern Daylight Time), which is when the first plane crashed into one of the Twin Towers. Although the attacks were in the U.S., Patriot Day is recognized worldwide as the news impacted people all over. Today we take a moment today to consider what we stand for as a nation and how we can work together to make the world a better place for all. In addition to a moment of silence, you can honor this day by attending a patriot day ceremony or visiting a memorial. The Corporation for National and Community Service stands that today Americans across the country are called to volunteer in their local communities in tribute to the individuals lost and injured in the attacks, first responders, and the many who have risen in service to defend freedom.