September 11, 2026 marks the 25th anniversary of the attacks that claimed nearly 3,000 lives. Across the country, Americans will pause to remember those who were lost, honor the first responders who answered the call, and reflect on the lasting impact of that day.
One of the most meaningful ways to observe Patriot Day is by displaying the American flag with care and respect. Whether you're flying a flag outside your home, business, or organization, following proper flag etiquette reflects the significance of the day.
This guide covers how to honor the 25th anniversary of September 11, including when to fly the American flag at half-staff, how to display it properly, when to illuminate it after dark, and other ways to remember the lives lost on 9/11.
September 11, 2001 Remembrance Timeline
| Time (Eastern Time) | Event |
|---|---|
| 8:46 a.m. | American Airlines Flight 11 crashes into the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. |
| 9:03 a.m. | United Airlines Flight 175 crashes into the South Tower of the World Trade Center. |
| 9:37 a.m. | American Airlines Flight 77 crashes into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. |
| 9:42 a.m. | The Federal Aviation Administration grounds all civilian aircraft in the United States. |
| 9:59 a.m. | The South Tower of the World Trade Center collapses. |
| 10:03 a.m. | United Airlines Flight 93 crashes near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after passengers and crew attempt to regain control of the aircraft. |
| 10:28 a.m. | The North Tower of the World Trade Center collapses. |
| 8:30 p.m. | President George W. Bush addresses the nation from the White House, speaking about the attacks and the country's response. |
At a Glance: Ways to Honor September 11
| Ways to Honor September 11 | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Fly the American flag at half-staff | Honors the victims of the attacks and those who served afterward |
| Observe a moment of silence | Reflect on the events of September 11, 2001 |
| Illuminate your flag after dark | Follows U.S. Flag Code when displaying the flag overnight |
| Attend a local memorial ceremony | Join your community in remembrance |
| Volunteer on Patriot Day | Continue the National Day of Service tradition |
| Share the history of September 11 with younger generations | Help preserve the memory of the day |
Why the American flag is flown at half-staff on September 11
Shortly after the attacks, Congress designated September 11 as Patriot Day. Each year, the President issues a proclamation requesting that American flags be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset in honor of those who lost their lives.
The observance recognizes:
- The nearly 3,000 victims of the terrorist attacks
- The firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and other first responders who answered the call
- The military members who served in the years that followed
- The families whose lives were forever changed
While the presidential proclamation primarily applies to government buildings, private citizens are encouraged to participate as well. Flying your flag at half-staff is a simple but meaningful gesture of remembrance.
How to properly fly the American flag at half-staff from sunrise to sunset
Whether your flag flies from an in-ground flagpole or a house-mounted flagpole, the basic principle is the same: display the American flag in a respectful half-staff position when possible.
With an in-ground flagpole, the process is straightforward. Raise the flag briskly to the top of the pole first, then lower it down the halyard until it reaches the half-staff position. At sunset, raise the flag back to the top of the pole before lowering it completely for the evening.
House-mounted flag poles work differently. Most residential mounting brackets hold the pole at a fixed angle and don’t use a halyard system for raising and lowering the flag. Some two-position brackets also allow the pole to be moved into a 90-degree, or horizontal, position. This lower position is sometimes used as a symbolic way to represent half-staff on a house-mounted pole, although it is not an official half-staff position defined by the U.S. Flag Code.
If your bracket does not have a second position, you do not need to change the position of your house-mounted flag to observe Patriot Day. You may continue to display it normally as a respectful show of remembrance. If your bracket does have a 90-degree position, you may choose to use it as a symbolic half-staff display, but doing so is not required. Displaying your American flag on your home in any manner is still a respectful way to observe Patriot Day.
For flags that can be lowered, remember these basic rules:
- Raise the flag briskly to the top of the pole first.
- Lower it slowly to the half-staff position.
- Leave it at half-staff from sunrise until sunset.
- Before taking the flag down at sunset, raise it back to full staff first.
- Never leave a damaged or badly worn flag flying.
Lighting the American flag after dark
The U.S. Flag Code states that the American flag should generally be displayed from sunrise to sunset. However, it's perfectly acceptable to leave the flag flying overnight if it is properly illuminated.
The Flag Code doesn't specify a required brightness level. Instead, the general expectation is that the flag remains clearly visible and recognizable throughout the night.
A dedicated flagpole light is the easiest solution. Many homeowners choose solar powered lights, dusk-to-dawn fixtures, or timer-controlled lighting that automatically turns on after sunset.
If your flag isn't properly illuminated, it's best to lower it at sunset.
Inspect your American flag before Patriot Day
Before September 11 arrives, take a few minutes to inspect your American flag.
Look for signs of wear, including:
- Frayed edges
- Torn stitching
- Faded colors
- Rusted grommets
- Damage along the fly end
A worn flag has often served faithfully for years, but Patriot Day is an appropriate time to replace an American flag that has reached the end of its service life. Displaying a clean, well-maintained American flag is another way to show respect for the occasion.
Elizabeth Ross Flags connection to Ground Zero
As part of Valley Forge Flag, Elizabeth Ross Flags shares a connection to two American flags with ties to the Ground Zero remembrance efforts following September 11.
The Ground Zero Volunteers Flag
According to the Ground Zero Volunteers Flag organization, its original American flag was made and donated by Valley Forge Flag of Pennsylvania.
The cotton flag measured 60 by 30 feet, weighed 92 pounds, and was first raised on September 22, 2001, at 1 Liberty Street, the Brooks Brothers building beside the World Trade Center site. It remained there for approximately two months as a symbol of hope and remembrance.
When the original flag was retired in 2011 because of its historical significance, Valley Forge provided a second 60 by 30-foot American flag, weighing approximately 90 pounds, allowing the organization to continue its memorial work.
The Ground Zero Flag Team flag
A separate American flag is associated with John and Barbara Sullivan and the Ground Zero Flag Team.
Shortly after September 11, John Sullivan gave the flag to a Port Authority Police officer who had lost his partner in the attacks. The flag was taken to Ground Zero, where it flew above the rubble during the recovery effort until November 2, 2001.
Since leaving Ground Zero, the flag has traveled across the country and around the world as part of the Ground Zero Flag Team. Along with a marble cross made from material associated with the World Trade Center rubble and a logbook documenting their journey, the flag has visited military bases, fire stations, memorials and U.S. Navy ships. It traveled to Iraq three times and was present with members of the 4th Infantry Division following Operation Red Dawn in 2003 (link).
John Sullivan and his wife have always considered themselves caretakers rather than owners of these historic artifacts. As Sullivan has said, “They belong to the American people; they belong to everyone.”
Twenty-five years after it left Ground Zero, the flag is scheduled to complete its journey in November 2026, corresponding with the anniversary of its November 2, 2001 removal from the site. The current plan is for the flag to be retired with honors and preserved in a permanent location for public viewing.
Other meaningful ways to honor September 11
Flying the American flag is just one important part of Patriot Day, but many Americans choose to remember the day in other ways as well.
Observe the national moments of silence
Many communities pause throughout the morning to recognize the key moments of the attacks:
- 8:46 a.m. EDT – American Airlines Flight 11 strikes the North Tower.
- 9:03 a.m. EDT – United Airlines Flight 175 strikes the South Tower.
- 9:37 a.m. EDT – American Airlines Flight 77 strikes the Pentagon.
- 10:03 a.m. EDT – United Airlines Flight 93 crashes near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
Even taking a few quiet moments to reflect can be a meaningful tribute.
Attend a local memorial ceremony
Many cities, towns, fire departments, veterans organizations, and civic groups host Patriot Day ceremonies each year.
These events often include flag ceremonies, the reading of victims' names, moments of silence, and tributes to first responders.
Volunteer in your community
September 11 is also recognized as a National Day of Service and Remembrance.
Many people choose to volunteer at food banks, veteran organizations, local charities, schools, or community clean-up projects. Acts of service reflect the spirit of neighbors helping neighbors that emerged across the country after the attacks.
Share the history with younger generations
An increasing number of children and young adults weren't alive in 2001.
Patriot Day provides an opportunity to explain what happened, why the American flag flies at half-staff, and how everyday people demonstrated extraordinary courage that day.
Passing those stories on helps ensure the significance of September 11 isn't forgotten.
Remembering September 11, 25 Years Later
A quarter century has passed since September 11, 2001, but the importance of remembering that day hasn't diminished. Flying the American flag with care, observing the moments of silence, serving your community, and sharing the history with the next generation are meaningful ways to honor those who were lost and those who answered the call.
Whether your flag has flown for years or you're displaying one for the first time, taking a few extra moments to follow proper flag etiquette reflects the respect Patriot Day deserves. Every raised flag, every moment of silence, and every act of service helps preserve the memory of a day that changed the nation forever.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the American flag flown at half-staff on September 11?
The flag is flown at half-staff on Patriot Day to honor the victims of the September 11 attacks, the first responders who risked their lives, and the military members who served in the years that followed.
What time should I lower my American flag on Patriot Day?
The annual presidential proclamation requests that flags be flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset. Check your local sunrise and sunset times for your area.
Can I leave my American flag up overnight on September 11?
Yes. The American flag may remain flying after sunset if it is properly illuminated so it remains clearly visible throughout the night.
Do private citizens have to fly their American flag at half-staff?
No. Private citizens aren't legally required to lower their flags, but they are encouraged to participate as a sign of remembrance and respect.
Why is September 11 called Patriot Day?
Congress designated September 11 as Patriot Day in 2001 to honor those who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks and to encourage annual remembrance.
Is September 11 a federal holiday?
No. Patriot Day is a national day of remembrance, but it isn't a federal holiday. Government offices, schools, and businesses generally remain open.
How do I respectfully retire an old American flag?
When an American flag becomes too worn for display, it should be retired in a dignified manner. Many local American Legion posts, VFW organizations, Scout troops, and community groups conduct flag retirement ceremonies and accept worn flags for proper disposal.
