Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance are Sept. 11

September 11 is marked in the United States with Patriot Day and the National Day of Service and Remembrance.

The day remembers the 2,977 individuals killed Sept. 11, 2001, in the terror attacks.

The observance was officially created when the U.S. House of Representatives Joint Resolution 71 was approved by a vote of 407-0 on Oct. 25, 2001. The resolution requested that the president designate September 11 each year as “Patriot Day.” President George W. Bush signed the resolution into law Dec. 18, 2001.

On this day, the president requests that the American flag be flown at half-staff.

The president also asks Americans to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. (EDT), the time the first plane struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center. The president also encourages all Americans to find and volunteer for service opportunities Sept. 11.

Additionally, Utah Gov. Gary R. Herbert has authorized the lowering of the Utah state flag.

All flags will be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset Sept. 11, 2014.