Patriot Day 2026: Remembering 25 Years Since September 11, 2001

September 11, 2026, marks 25 years since the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and flight 93 in 2001: a single day that forever changed the United States and the lives of countless families and communities.

On this milestone anniversary, Americans will once again observe Patriot Day in remembrance of the 2,977 victims who lost their lives and the first responders, survivors, service members, and ordinary citizens whose courage came to define the days that followed.

Twenty-five years later, September 11 remains a day to remember those who were lost, reflect on the events that shaped a generation, and ensure their stories are carried forward.

What Happened on September 11, 2001?

On the morning of September 11, 2001, 19 terrorists from al-Qaeda hijacked four commercial passenger planes in a coordinated attack against the United States.

American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175 were flown into the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. Both towers later collapsed.

American Airlines Flight 77 was flown into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia.

The fourth plane, United Airlines Flight 93, was believed to be headed toward Washington, DC. After learning about the other attacks, passengers and crew members attempted to regain control of the aircraft. Flight 93 ultimately crashed in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

A total of 2,977 victims were killed in the attacks in New York, at the Pentagon, and aboard the four flights. Thousands more were injured, and many first responders, survivors, and others exposed to the attack sites have continued to experience long-term health effects.

25 Years of Remembrance

For those who lived through September 11, the memories of that day remain vivid. But as the nation observes the 25th anniversary in 2026, a growing number of Americans were either very young at the time or were born after the attacks.

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum estimates that approximately 100 million Americans today are too young to have a lived memory of September 11. Its 25th-anniversary initiatives place particular emphasis on educating these younger generations and preserving the personal stories of those affected by the attacks.

That makes this milestone an opportunity not only to remember what happened but also to share the stories of the victims, first responders, survivors, passengers and crew members, military personnel, and countless others whose lives were forever connected to that day.

How Patriot Day Came to Be

Patriot Day is a national observance honoring the victims of the September 11 attacks.

Shortly after the attacks, Congress designated September 11 of each year as Patriot Day. The resolution was signed into law on December 18, 2001, and the first Patriot Day was proclaimed by President George W. Bush in 2002. In 2009, September 11 was also federally recognized as a National Day of Service and Remembrance.

Each year, Americans are called upon to honor the victims through remembrance, reflection, service, and appropriate ceremonies.

25th Anniversary Commemorations in 2026

The 25th anniversary of September 11 will be marked by special ceremonies and events at each of the three attack sites, along with remembrance and service efforts taking place throughout the country.

25th Anniversary Events in New York City

At the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in Lower Manhattan, family members of the victims will gather on September 11 for the annual reading of the names. The 2026 ceremony begins at 8:30 am, with the first moment of silence at 8:46 am.

For the first time, the ceremony will include seven moments of silence. In addition to marking the times the World Trade Center towers were struck and fell, the attack on the Pentagon, and the crash of Flight 93, a seventh moment will honor those who have died from 9/11-related illnesses and injuries in the years since the attacks.

Other commemorations in Lower Manhattan include a special performance by the New York Philharmonic and U.S. Army Field Band Soldiers' Chorus at the Perelman Performing Arts Center and an interfaith memorial service at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church & National Shrine.

After sunset, the annual Tribute in Light will once again illuminate the New York City skyline with two beams of light representing the Twin Towers. A special national broadcast, 9/11 Tribute in Light: Live from Lower Manhattan, will also air at 8 pm Eastern Time, allowing Americans across the country to take part in the evening of remembrance.

Remembering Flight 93 in Pennsylvania

Flight 93 National Memorial near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, will hold several events from September 9 through September 13 to mark the 25th anniversary.

On September 11, a morning observance will include reading the names of the 40 passengers and crew members of Flight 93 and ringing the Bells of Remembrance. An afternoon ceremony will include remarks, music, and a public wreath laying at the Wall of Names. Both ceremonies are open to the public.

Additional anniversary events include the creation and display of 40 chalk portraits honoring the passengers and crew, and a September 12 luminaria ceremony in which 40 candle lanterns will be placed beneath their names at the memorial.

Commemorating the Pentagon Attack

In Arlington, Virginia, the 25th anniversary will also mark an important step in preserving the history of the attack on the Pentagon.

On September 10 of this year, the Pentagon Memorial Fund is scheduled to break ground on a new Visitor Education Center adjacent to the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial. The future center, scheduled for completion in 2029, will include historic artifacts, first-person accounts from survivors and victims' families, interactive exhibits, and educational programming about the attack and its lasting impact.

The National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial itself honors the 184 people killed aboard American Airlines Flight 77 and inside the Pentagon.

A Nationwide Day of Service

The spirit of unity and generosity demonstrated in the aftermath of the attacks inspired the designation of September 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. Americans across the country now mark the day by volunteering, helping their neighbors, supporting charitable organizations, and participating in community projects.

You may choose to volunteer locally, participate in a memorial walk or event, support organizations that serve first responders and military families, donate to an organization that preserves the history of September 11, or simply perform an act of kindness in your own community.

For the 25th anniversary, the nonprofit 9/11 Day is organizing meal-packing events in more than 50 U.S. cities. Approximately 50,000 volunteers are expected to help pack 20 million meals for Americans facing hunger.

How to Observe Patriot Day

Whether you attend a 25th-anniversary event or observe the day closer to home, there are several meaningful ways to remember those who were lost.

• Fly the American Flag at Half-Staff: Patriot Day is a half-staff observance. Americans are encouraged to lower their flags at homes and businesses as a sign of respect and remembrance. If a flag cannot be lowered, a black mourning bow or mourning ribbon can be used.
• Observe a Moment of Silence: Take part in the national moment of silence beginning at 8:46 am Eastern Time, marking the moment American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower.
• Attend a Memorial Ceremony: Look for ceremonies organized by your community, local fire and police departments, veterans' organizations, or other groups.
• Learn and Share Their Stories: Read or listen to the stories of victims, survivors, first responders, and their families. For younger generations in particular, hearing these personal accounts helps ensure that the history of September 11 is not reduced to dates and statistics.

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is also offering a free digital learning experience for students and teachers, featuring first-person accounts of the attacks and their aftermath. The program will be available beginning September 11, giving schools across the country another way to participate in the anniversary.

Remembering September 11, 25 Years Later

A quarter century has passed since September 11, 2001, but the significance of that day has not faded.

On this 25th anniversary, we remember the 2,977 lives taken that morning, honor those who responded with extraordinary courage, recognize those who continue to carry the effects of the attacks, and preserve their stories for generations who have no personal memory of that day.

Whether through lowering the American flag, observing a moment of silence, serving your community, attending a memorial, or taking the time to learn someone's story, Patriot Day provides an opportunity to remember.

Twenty-five years later, we remember those we lost, honor those who answered the call, and ensure that the stories of September 11 are never forgotten.