Patriot’s Day vs. Patriot Day

What is Patriot’s Day?

Patriot’s Day is celebrated on the third Monday of April among select states. It commemorates the start of the American Revolution, particularly the battles of Lexington and Concord that were fought near Boston in 1775. Although not a federal holiday, this day is observed as a state holiday in Massachusetts, Maine, and Wisconsin. Many people in these states get to have a day off of school and work to celebrate their annual events & traditions. Common traditions include the reenactment of the battles of Lexington and Concord and the Boston Marathon.

This day is not to be confused with Patriot Day which falls on September 11th, a day that marks the anniversary of terrorist attacks that occurred at the World Trade Center in 2001.

What is Patriot Day?

Patriot Day is observed annually on September 11 and is also a National Day of Service and Remembrance. This September 11, 2021, is the 20th anniversary of the tragic events that occurred at the World Trade Center in 2001. Although it is also not a federal holiday, Patriot Day is observed throughout many states with memorials and ceremonies. Americans are encouraged to observe a moment of silence at 8:46 AM (EDT) which is the time the first plane hit the North Tower of the WTC. Patriot Day is also a flag flying holiday; flags should be displayed at half-staff from sunrise to sundown in honor of the lives that were lost on this day. Americans across the country are called to come together and volunteer to their local communities in tribute to the first responders and individuals lost in the attacks.