Sept. 10, 2026, 5:04 a.m. ET
As the nation prepares to mark the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on Friday, flags will fly at half-staff and memorial ceremonies will honor the nearly 3,000 people killed in the deadliest terror attack in U.S. history. But many Americans are also asking a practical question: Is Sept. 11 a federal holiday?
The short answer is no. While Sept. 11 is officially observed as Patriot Day and the National Day of Service and Remembrance, it is not a federal holiday. Schools, banks, government offices, post offices and most businesses will operate on their normal schedules, though communities across the country will hold ceremonies, tributes and service projects to remember the victims, survivors and first responders.
Is Sept. 11 a federal holiday?
No. Sept. 11 is not a federal holiday.
Although Congress designated Sept. 11 as Patriot Day to honor the victims of the 2001 terrorist attacks, schools, government offices, banks, post offices and most businesses generally remain open. Mail delivery and other public services also continue as normal.
Over the years, lawmakers have introduced proposals to make Sept. 11 a federal holiday, but none have become law.
Do flags fly at half-staff on Sept. 11?
Yes. Federal law calls on the president to issue a proclamation directing U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff on Sept. 11.
Americans are also encouraged to observe moments of silence and participate in remembrance activities honoring those who died when hijacked planes struck the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
How is Sept. 11 observed?
Across the country, memorial ceremonies, tributes and service projects will mark the anniversary of the attacks.
Sept. 11 is also observed as the National Day of Service and Remembrance, encouraging Americans to volunteer in their communities as a way to honor the victims, survivors and first responders affected by the attacks.
Twenty-five years later, the annual observances remain among the nation’s most visible acts of remembrance, bringing Americans together to reflect on the lives lost and the lasting impact of Sept. 11, 2001.
Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at Gdhauari@usatoday.com.
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