Patriot Day is observed annually to remember the tragic events of September 11, 2001, when America was profoundly affected by terrorist attacks.
On Patriot Day, American flags are lowered to half-mast, and moments of silence are held at 8:46 a.m. and 10:28 a.m., marking the times when the attacks occurred.
The day is a solemn reminder of the four hijacked planes that brought devastation, with three successfully crashing into their intended targets: the Twin Towers in New York City and the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia.
The attacks resulted in the loss of 2,977 lives, including first responders, firefighters, police officers, and civilians.
United Airlines Flight 93, hijacked on that fateful day, crashed in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, thanks to the courageous passengers who thwarted the hijackers' plans.
More than two decades later, there are still unidentified victims of the 9/11 attacks, a testament to the scale of the tragedy.
Memorials stand at all three attack sites, serving as places of remembrance for the lives lost.
Patriot Day has evolved over the years, starting as a Day of Remembrance and expanding into a National Day of Service and Remembrance, emphasizing unity and service in the face of adversity.