American flags will be flown at half-staff across the United States on September 11 as the nation commemorates 25 years since the terrorist attacks that claimed 2,977 lives and changed the country. This solemn day includes memorial ceremonies, moments of silence, and service events planned nationwide. Federal agencies, state governments, organizations, and individuals are encouraged to participate in Patriot Day observances and displays of remembrance.
Anniversary Observance
Patriot Day, designated in late 2001 after the attacks on New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C., marks one of the most solemn dates on the American calendar. Americans observe this day by flying flags at half-staff and honoring those lost. The 2026 commemoration is particularly poignant, marking a significant milestone as many younger Americans have no firsthand memory of the day.
Legal Proceedings
The anniversary occurs during ongoing legal proceedings related to the attacks. A military judge recently set a June 5, 2028 trial date for alleged 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and three co-defendants at Guantánamo Bay. This follows the collapse of a proposed plea agreement that would have avoided a death penalty trial.
Flag Protocol and Ceremonies
According to protocol, the American flag on Patriot Day is flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset. Proper guidelines recommend raising the flag to the peak briefly before lowering it to half-staff and then returning it to the peak at day’s end. This year’s observance focuses on remembrance. A ceremony at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York will start at 8:30 a.m., featuring family members reading the names of those killed.
Moments of Silence
Seven moments of silence are planned, honoring significant times from September 11, 2001, including the attacks and the fall of the World Trade Center. This year, an additional moment recognizes those who have died from illnesses linked to 9/11 exposure. Americans are invited to pause at 8:46 a.m. Eastern time, marking the moment the first hijacked plane struck the North Tower.
- 8:46 a.m.—Flight 11 strikes the North Tower
- 9:03 a.m.—Flight 175 strikes the South Tower
- 9:37 a.m.—Flight 77 strikes the Pentagon
- 9:59 a.m.—Fall of the South Tower
- 10:03 a.m.—Flight 93 crashes near Shanksville, Pennsylvania
- 10:28 a.m.—Fall of the North Tower
The seventh moment will conclude the reading of names and become a permanent part of the ceremony.
Marking the 25th Anniversary
Across the United States, exhibitions and educational programs are part of the observance. The “Our Flag Was Still There” installation at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum highlights flags linked to the sites of the attacks, emphasizing how these symbols represented resilience and unity. Additionally, Patriot Day is recognized as a National Day of Service and Remembrance, encouraging Americans to engage in volunteer work and community efforts. Local governments, veterans groups, and civic organizations are anticipated to host memorial activities throughout this period.