Summary (tl;dr)

Flags across the United States are being flown at half-staff today, September 11, 2026, in observance of Patriot Day, marking the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Essential Background

On September 11, 2001, a series of coordinated terrorist attacks by al-Qaeda occurred in the United States, targeting significant landmarks. These attacks resulted in the collapse of the World Trade Center twin towers in New York City, severe damage to the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and the crash of United Airlines Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. In the aftermath, Congress officially designated September 11th as "Patriot Day" to honor the nearly 3,000 victims and remember the events of that tragic day.

The Full Story

Today, September 11, 2026, the United States is observing the 25th anniversary of the devastating 9/11 terrorist attacks, prompting the widespread display of flags at half-staff nationwide. President Donald J. Trump has issued a proclamation calling upon all federal departments, agencies, and instrumentalities to fly the U.S. flag at half-staff from sunrise to sunset in honor of the victims. State governors, including Governor Kim Reynolds of Iowa and Governor Josh Stein of North Carolina, have echoed this directive for their respective state facilities and encouraged all citizens, businesses, and schools to follow suit. Commemoration ceremonies are being held across the country, most notably at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York City, where family members are gathering to read aloud the names of those killed and observe seven moments of silence marking the times of the attacks.

Why It Matters

The trending keywords "half-mast" and "half staff" reflect a national moment of solemn remembrance and unity as Americans pause to honor the lives lost and the enduring spirit of heroism and resilience that emerged 25 years ago. This annual observance of Patriot Day is not only a tribute to the victims and the first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice but also serves to ensure that the memory of September 11 never fades. It is a crucial opportunity for younger generations, who may not have lived through the events, to understand the historical significance and lasting impact of 9/11 on the nation.

Geographic Location

• World Trade Center, Manhattan, New York County, New York, United States (site of terrorist attacks and collapse of towers)
• The Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia, United States (site of terrorist attack)
• Shanksville, Stonycreek Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania, United States (crash site of United Airlines Flight 93)
• National September 11 Memorial & Museum, Manhattan, New York County, New York, United States (25th anniversary commemoration ceremony)
• Washington, D.C., District of Columbia, United States (issuance of presidential proclamation for half-staff flag display)