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Patriot Day: National Day of Service and Remembrance

What is it?

Eleven years ago, nearly 3,000 people were lost during the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001. Since that day, our nation continues to honor and recognize those individuals each year on Patriot Day as we remember those who lost their lives and the people they left behind.

On this day, the American flag is flown at half-staff at individual American homes, at the White House and on all U.S. government buildings and establishments home and abroad and a moment of silence begins at 8:46 a.m. EDT, the time the first plane struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center.

Why is this important to the Army?

This shared history links us together as Americans and is woven into the fibers that bind Soldiers, Army civilians and families. America's Army is the Strength of the Nation and our men and women in uniform have continued to epitomize resiliency, strength and commitment to our country. Sept. 11, 2011, fundamentally changed our Army for the better as we became more versatile to meet the needs of a changing nation and volatile world. We will never forget the lives of those who were lost and because of them we continue to remain vigilant and ready to meet any future challenge.

What has the Army done?

America's greatest generations are built on the strength of America's strongest citizens - U.S. Soldiers. Many of today's Soldiers swore the oath in response to the tragic events of 9/11 and have served this country valiantly during wartime over the last decade. Their service has strengthened these Soldiers in gaining exceptional training, values, and leadership experience. And as we drawdown forces from Afghanistan and bring our men and women in uniform back to American communities, our Soldier's character remains unchanged.

What continued efforts does the Army have planned?

The Army is the strength of the nation and Soldiers are the strength of our Army. We are an organization of people and it's our responsibility to ensure our greatest assets and their families are supported and cared for during this period of fiscal uncertainty. In return, we as a nation are responsible for ensuring our veterans are properly supported and equipped to re-integrate as civic members, leaders and role models into our communities. With more than 200,000 Soldiers transitioning out of the military each year, the Army is tirelessly committed to ensuring lifelong success for our Soldiers and their families by connecting them with opportunities for employment, education and healthcare post military service. We are Soldiers for life and with the support of a grateful nation, we will remain strong.

Resources:

Presidential Proclamation
Army Senior Leaders' Patriot Day Message
11 years later: Honoring the fallen - moving forward
Army.mil: Patriot Day
Marching Orders, 38th Chief of Staff, U.S. Army - America's Force of Decisive Action (PDF)
Army Posture Statement 2012