This resolution expresses support for designating September 11 through September 17, 2025, as "Patriot Week" to honor American history, foundational documents, and core values.
Gary Peters
Senator
MI
This resolution expresses support for designating September 11 through September 17, 2025, as "Patriot Week." It aims to encourage citizens to reflect on core American values, foundational documents, and influential historical figures. The week serves as an opportunity to remember the events of September 11th and renew appreciation for the nation's history and principles. The Senate encourages participation from all levels of government and the public to promote the study of U.S. history.
Senate Backs 'Patriot Week' Designation for September 11–17, 2025, Focusing on Civic Education
This resolution is a formal statement from the Senate supporting the designation of the week of September 11 through September 17, 2025, as "Patriot Week." Think of it less as a new law and more as Congress officially saying, "Hey, let’s all take a moment to remember why we’re here and how the country works." It’s designed to encourage citizens, schools, and government offices to focus on U.S. history, foundational documents, and core civic principles during that week.
The September 11th to 17th Connection
The timing isn't random. The week spans two major historical markers: the remembrance of the September 11, 2001, attacks and September 17th, which is Constitution Day. The resolution explicitly wants the country to use this week to remember those who died on 9/11 and to refresh the American spirit by focusing on founding principles. Essentially, the idea is to pair a moment of national mourning and resilience with a celebration of the governing structure that holds the nation together.
What They Want Us to Study
The resolution is big on civics education. It specifically calls out the importance of learning about the rule of law, democracy, equality, and human rights, emphasizing the motto E pluribus unum ("out of many, one") as a symbol of diversity being a strength. For parents and teachers, this means a formal encouragement to dive into documents like the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and even speeches like the Gettysburg Address and Martin Luther King Jr.’s "I Have a Dream" speech. It also lists key historical figures—from George Washington and Thomas Paine to Harriet Tubman and Elizabeth Cady Stanton—as people to honor.
Real-World Impact: Advisory, Not Mandatory
Since this is a resolution and not a bill, it doesn't create any new laws, taxes, or regulations. It’s non-binding, meaning you won’t get fined if your kids don’t memorize the Bill of Rights that week. However, it does encourage all levels of government—Federal, State, and local—to recognize and participate in Patriot Week. For a busy city council or a local school district, this means they might allocate some time or resources to historical programs or observances during that specific week in 2025. It’s an advisory push toward increasing civic engagement and historical awareness, aiming to make sure that the foundational knowledge of how the country operates doesn't get lost in the shuffle of modern life.