PolicyBrief
H.R. 911
119th CongressFeb 4th 2025
Patriot Day Act
IN COMMITTEE

This bill makes Patriot Day an official holiday.

Brian Fitzpatrick
R

Brian Fitzpatrick

Representative

PA-1

LEGISLATION

'Patriot Day' Officially Added to Federal Calendar: New Law Adds Day After Labor Day

The "Patriot Day Act" formally recognizes September 11th as 'Patriot Day' in the federal calendar. This new law amends Section 6103(a) of title 5, United States Code—basically the official list of federal holidays—to include 'Patriot Day' right after Labor Day.

Making it Official

This act doesn't create a new paid holiday, but it does give Patriot Day the same formal recognition as other significant days like Flag Day. The change means that Patriot Day will now be listed alongside other nationally recognized days in the U.S. Code. For example, federal buildings will likely be encouraged to fly flags at half-staff, just like they already do.

Real-World Impact

While it might seem like a small change, adding Patriot Day to the U.S. Code formally acknowledges its importance. It ensures that September 11th will be consistently recognized in official government contexts, which can help with organizing annual commemorations. Think of it like this: schools, community groups, and even workplaces might find it easier to plan events or observances because it's now officially on the federal calendar. This change might not shift your daily routine, but it does strengthen how the nation remembers and reflects on the events of September 11, 2001, each year, as indicated by the amendment in SEC. 2 of the bill.