September 11 is not a legal federal holiday in the United States. While it is a day of significant national importance, its official designation is a national day of observance. This distinction is critical: a legal holiday typically involves the closure of federal offices, postal services, and banks, whereas a day of observance does not mandate such closures.
The status of September 11 is formally defined by U.S. law. A joint resolution of Congress, Public Law 107-89, signed on December 18, 2001, designated September 11 of each year as "Patriot Day." Later, the Kennedy Serve America Act, signed in April 2009, further designated September 11 as a "National Day of Service and Remembrance." These designations direct the President to issue an annual proclamation calling on all U.S. government agencies and interested organizations to display the flag at half-staff. The proclamation also asks the American people to observe a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, the time the first plane struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center.
In practice, the classification of September 11 as a day of observance means that government functions, schools, and businesses operate on a normal schedule. The day's purpose is to encourage acts of remembrance, solemn ceremonies, and community service to honor the victims and first responders of the 2001 terrorist attacks. Therefore, its legal standing is one of commemoration and civic action, rather than that of a federal holiday which provides for a paid day off for federal employees and the widespread closure of public and private institutions.
