Patriot Day is the annual U.S. day of remembrance held on September 11 to honor the nearly 3,000 people killed in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, as well as those who died in rescue efforts.
What Patriot Day Commemorates
- Honors the victims of the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and Flight 93 attacks.
- Recognizes first responders and civilians who died while attempting rescue.
- Established formally by Congress on December 18, 2001, designating September 11 as Patriot Day.
How It’s Observed
- U.S. flags are flown at half‑staff on all federal buildings worldwide.
- Americans are asked to observe a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. EDT, the time the first plane struck the North Tower.
- Many communities hold memorial services, prayer events, and volunteer activities as part of the National Day of Service and Remembrance (added in 2009).
Additional Context
- Patriot Day is not a federal holiday—schools and businesses remain open.
- Presidents issue an annual proclamation each year reaffirming the observance.
Prayer of Remembrance for 9/11 Victims
God of the ages, before Your eyes all empires rise and fall, yet You remain changeless. Be near us in this age of uncertainty and in these moments of remembrance. Uphold those who work, watch, wait, weep, and love. By Your Holy Spirit, give rise within us a broad sympathy for all peoples of the earth. Strengthen us to comfort those who mourn and establish Your peace in great and small ways.
Bless the people and leaders of our nation and all nations, so that warfare, violence, and oppression may become only a historic memory. We pray in the name of the Prince of Peace. Amen.
Pope Francis’ Prayer at Ground Zero (2015)
A prayer offered at the 9/11 Memorial, honoring victims, first responders, and families.
O God of love, compassion, and healing, look on us, people of many different faiths and traditions, who gather today on this hallowed ground, the scene of unspeakable violence and pain.
Give eternal light and peace to all who died here— the heroic first responders, firefighters, police officers, emergency workers, Port Authority personnel, and all the innocent men and women who were victims of this tragedy.
Bring healing to those who continue to suffer from injuries and illness. Heal the pain of still‑grieving families and all who lost loved ones. Give them strength to continue their lives with courage and hope.
We remember also those who died at the Pentagon and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Our hearts are one with theirs.
God of peace, bring Your peace to our violent world: peace in the hearts of all men and women, and peace among the nations of the earth. Turn to Your way of love those whose hearts and minds are consumed with hatred.
Comfort and console us, strengthen us in hope, and give us the wisdom and courage to work tirelessly for a world where true peace and love reign. Amen.
Pope Benedict XVI’s Prayer at Ground Zero (2008)
A prayer of healing, remembrance, and hope.
O God of love, compassion, and healing, look on us who gather at this site of incredible violence and pain.
Give eternal light and peace to all who died here— the heroic first responders, firefighters, police officers, emergency workers, Port Authority personnel, and all the innocent victims whose work or service brought them here on September 11, 2001.
Bring healing to those who suffer still from injuries and illness. Heal the pain of grieving families and all who lost loved ones. Give them strength to continue their lives with courage and hope.
We remember also those who suffered death, injury, and loss at the Pentagon and in Shanksville. Our hearts are united with theirs.
God of peace, bring Your peace to our violent world. Turn to Your way of love those whose hearts are consumed with hatred.
Grant that those whose lives were spared may live so that the lives lost may not have been lost in vain.
Comfort and console us, strengthen us in hope, and give us wisdom and courage to work for a world where true peace and love reign. Amen.
Intercessions for Liturgies or Vigils
- For all who lost their lives on September 11, 2001: Lord, grant them eternal rest.
- For families who continue to grieve: Lord, be their comfort and peace.
- For first responders and all who risked their lives: Lord, bless and protect them.
- For healing of those still suffering physical or emotional wounds: Lord, restore them.
- For peace in our nation and world: Lord, make us instruments of Your peace.
Stay connected — subscribe today
https://www.youtube.com/@st.michaelusa
SIGN UP SO YOU CAN GET A BLESSING !
https://stmichaelcenter.flocknote.com/StMichaelCenter
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK !
https://www.facebook.com/StMichaelCenter/
MAKE A DONATION SUPPORT YOUTH & ACTIVITIES
