Grammatically, the term "patriot day moment of silence" functions as a compound noun phrase. The core of the phrase is the noun "moment," which is part of the established compound noun "moment of silence." The proper noun "Patriot Day" acts as an attributive noun, modifying the core phrase to specify the particular occasion for this observance. Therefore, the entire term refers to a specific, named commemorative event rather than a general action.
This phrase designates a key component of Patriot Day, the annual U.S. federal observance on September 11th to remember those killed in the 2001 terrorist attacks. A moment of silence is a period of silent contemplation or prayer used to show respect for the deceased. The observances on Patriot Day are timed to coincide with the specific moments of the attacks, including the impacts on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, and the crash of United Airlines Flight 93. The first of these occurs at 8:46 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, marking the time the first plane struck the North Tower.
In practice, this observance is a national ritual enacted by government bodies, private organizations, and individuals. The President of the United States typically calls for the nation to observe these moments of silence. This act serves as a shared, public acknowledgment of a national tragedy, allowing for collective mourning and reflection. The simplicity and solemnity of the gesture provide a universally understood method for honoring the victims and first responders of the September 11th attacks.
