Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance: September 11, 2024

Sunday is the 21st anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. By a joint resolution approved December 18, 2001 (Public Law 107-89), the Congress designated September 11 of each year as “Patriot Day,” and by Public Law 111-13, approved April 21, 2009, the Congress requested the observance of September 11 as an annually recognized “National Day of Service and Remembrance.”

In keeping, President Biden has proclaimed September 11, 2022, as Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance. Even though flags are already at half-staff as a mark of respect for Queen Elizabeth II, President Biden has ordered the flag to be flown at half-staff on Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance in honor of the individuals who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. He has also called on the people of the United States to participate in community service in honor of those our Nation lost, to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities, including remembrance services, and to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. eastern daylight time to honor the innocent victims who perished as a result of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. His stirring proclamation is linked in the comments below.

Photo by Jeffmock - Own work, Public Domain, 

https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2188597

A Proclamation on the Death of Queen Elizabeth II

Section 7(m) of the Flag Code provides that that "[i]n the event of the death of other officials or foreign dignitaries, the flag is to be displayed at half-staff according to Presidential instructions or orders, or in accordance with recognized customs or practices not inconsistent with the law." President Biden's instruction to retain the flag at half-staff through the day of interment is hence a gesture of great respect, reserved for select high ranking officials (as similarly discussed in that section).

*****

As a mark of respect for the memory of Queen Elizabeth II, on the occasion of her passing, President Biden has ordered that the flag of the United States be flown at half-staff immediately, until sunset on the day of interment, which is set for September 19. On that date, Elizabeth will be buried in a prepared tomb at the King George VI Memorial Chapel in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle alongside her husband Prince Philip. President Biden's moving proclamation is linked in the comments.

A Proclamation on the Death of Queen Elizabeth II

September 28, 2022

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was more than a monarch. She defined an era.

In a world of constant change, she was a steadying presence and a source of comfort and pride for generations of Britons, including many who have never known their country without her. Queen Elizabeth II led always with grace, an unwavering commitment to duty, and the incomparable power of her example. She was a stateswoman of unmatched dignity and constancy who deepened the bedrock Alliance between the United Kingdom and the United States. She helped make our relationship special. The seven decades of her history-making reign bore witness to an age of unprecedented human advancement and the forward march of human dignity. Her legacy will loom large in the pages of British history, and in the story of our world.

As a mark of respect for the memory of Queen Elizabeth II, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, on the day of interment. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-seventh.

JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.