Flags Flown at Half-Staff Today; No Ceremonies Announced

Across the nation, American flags are being flown at half-staff today in remembrance of the September 11 attacks that devastated the United States. On this day, the President requests that the American flag be flown at half-staff at the White House, all U.S. Government buildings and establishments – home and abroad – and at individual American homes.

The President also asks Americans to observe a moment of silence today, beginning at 8:45 a.m. ET – the time the first plane struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center 11 years ago.

September 11, Patriot Day, was designated in memory of the 2,977 lives that were lost in the terrorist attacks against the United States. Initially, the day was called the Prayer and Remembrance for the Victims of the Terrorist Attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Because Patriot Day is not a federal holiday, schools and business do not close in observance of the occasion, although people may participate in memorial ceremonies for the victims; however, no organizations have reported any memorial services to take place today.