The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has gathered reflections and remembrances from clergy who ministered to victims and their families, and others who were impacted by the terrorist attacks on September 11.
In October 2001, the United States Congress passed a joint resolution designating that every September 11th be observed as “Patriot Day.” The resolution requests that U.S. government entities and interested organizations and individuals display the flag of the United States at half staff on Patriot Day and that the people of the United States observe a moment of silence in honor of the individuals who lost their lives as a result of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
In 2009, a presidential proclamation declared that Patriot Day is also a “National Day of Service.” The proclamation calls on Americans to “participate in community service in honor of those our Nation lost, to observe this day with other ceremonies and activities, including remembrance services … to honor the innocent victims who perished as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.”
Click here for liturgical resources for the observance of Patriot Day, bishops’ statements, and other materials for reading and reflection.