Flags in Tennessee and across the United States will fly at half-staff on Sept. 11 for Patriot Day, in remembrance of the tragic day that forever changed the country 24 years ago.
On Sept. 11, 2001, terrorists launched an attack on American soil, killingnearly 3,000 people in New York City, Washington, D.C., and in a Pennsylvania field.
Patriot Day honors the memory of those victims and the first responders and service members who served after the attacks. In accordance with federal law and annual tradition, all American flags are to be positioned at half-staff from sunrise to sunset.
Additionally, flags are at half-staff in remembrance of Charlie Kirk, who was shot to death at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10. The decree comes from President Donald Trump. Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee shared the half-staff mandate with a post on X Wednesday evening.
Here’s everything you need to know.
What happened on September 11, 2001?
On Sept. 11, 2001, al-Qaida launched a series of terrorist attacks against the United States, killing almost 3,000 people.
Terrorists hijacked four passenger planes. Two crashed into two towers at the World Trade Center in New York City and another crashed into the Pentagon outside Washington, D.C.
A fourth plane crashed into an empty field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after passengers tried to take control of the plane from hijackers before the plane was used to crash into another “important symbol of democracy and freedom.”
Who is Charlie Kirk?
Charlie Kirk was a conservative activist and close political ally of President Donald Trump. The 31-year-old was fatally shot while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10.
Kirk is also a founder of the conservative activism group, Turning Point USA. The activist was speaking at a Turning Point USA event, called “The American Comeback Tour,” when he was shot to death.
Kirk’s shooter is still unknown to police at this time.
Is Patriot Day a federal holiday?
No. Patriot Day is not a federal holiday. Government offices will be open and mail will be delivered.
How do people honor 9/11 victims? Observe a moment of silence
Americans are encouraged to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. ET to honor the victims who died as a result of the attacks.
Another way to honor 9/11 victims is to participate in a memorial stair climb near you, including The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation’s Memorial Stair Climb at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville. There, you’ll climb between 2,071 and 2,200 steps, representative of the 110 floors of the World Trade Center, to honor the 9/11 first responders’ ascent into the towers.
Public law passed in US to designate Sept. 11 as Patriot Day
In December 2001, a law was passed to designate Sept. 11 as Patriot Day. The law requests the president to issue a proclamation calling on:
All state and local governments to observe Patriot Day with programs and activities.
Everyone to fly the U.S. flag at half-staff in honor of those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001.
Everyone to observe a moment of silence to honor those who were killed.
Law designates Sept. 11 as National Day of Service, Remembrance
In 2009, Public Law 111-13 was passed, designating Sept. 11 at the National Day of Service and Remembrance.
How to correctly fly your flag at half-staff
On days when the flag is flown at half-staff, it should first be raised to the top of the pole for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position, according to the U.S. Flag Code.
Before lowering the flag, it should again be raised to the top before being lowered for the day.
Do flags fly at half-mast or half-staff?
The terms, while sometimes used interchangeably, do have varied meanings.
On ships and at naval stations ashore, flags are flown at half-mast. On shore, flags are flown at half-staff.
Allison Kiehl covers trending and breaking news from Knoxville for the Tennessee Connect Team. Email: allison.kiehl@knoxnews.com
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Why are flags at half-staff? Charlie Kirk, 9/11 share tragic date