Five Things to Know About Patriot Day

Each year, the President of the United States encourages Americans to observe Patriot Day in honor of those who lost their lives in the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.

Here's a rundown of the holiday's history and how you can observe it here in Lemont:

1. U.S. House of Representatives Joint Resolution 71

A bill to to make Sept. 11 a discretionary day of remembrance was introduced to the U.S. House of Representatives on Oct. 25, 2001. The joint resolution, which recognizes Sept. 11 as "Patriot Day" was signed into law Dec. 18 by President George W. Bush.

On April 21, 2009, Congress requested that Sept. 11 be recognized annually as "National Day of Service and Remembrance."

2. Flags Fly at Half-Staff

On Sept. 11, the President orders that all American flags be flown at halff-staff at individual homes, businesses, U.S. government buildings and the White House. Bulidings across Lemont, including and several schools, have lowered their flags in honor of 9/11/

3. Moment of Silence

As part of the the proclamation for Patriot Day, the President calls upon citizens to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. (Eastern Standard Time) to honor those who died on Sept. 11, 2001. The moment of silence marks the time the first plane struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center.

4. 2011 Proclamation

President Barack Obama's 2011 proclamation reads:

"In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the American people demonstrated that in times of hardship, the values that define us do not simply endure — they are stronger than ever. As a Nation, we responded to unthinkable tragedy with an outpouring of service and goodwill. On that dark day, first responders rushed into a burning Pentagon and climbed the stairs of smoking towers on the verge of collapse, while citizens risked their own health and safety to prevent further heartbreak and destruction. As Americans, we came together to help our country recover and rebuild.

"Today, we pay tribute to the selfless heroes and innocent victims of September 11, 2001, and we reaffirm the spirit of patriotism, service, and unity that we felt in the days and months that followed. By volunteering our time and unique skills, we can enrich communities across our country, and together, we can strengthen our Nation to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

"In the days to come, I ask all Americans to join together in serving their communities and neighborhoods in honor of the victims of the September 11 attacks. Today and throughout the year, scores of Americans answer the call to make service a way of life — from helping the homeless to teaching underserved students to bringing relief to disaster zones.

"... As we join in serving causes greater than ourselves and honoring those we lost, we are reminded of the ways that the victims of 9/11 live on — in the people they loved, the lives they touched, and the courageous acts they inspired. On Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance, we pledge to carry on their legacy of courage and compassion, and to move forward together as one people."

5. Lemont Boy Scouts Observe Patriot Day

On each of the country's flag holidays, Lemont Boy Scout Troop 49 installs American flags around the community. On Sunday, the troop will be installing about 280 flags in honor of the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. They will install the flags at dawn and take them down at dusk.