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Why 9/11 isn't a federal holiday, according to experts
PBS • • nation
Key Points:
- September 11 is observed as Patriot Day, a federally recognized day of remembrance with flags flown at half-staff and moments of silence, but it is not a federal holiday granting a day off to federal employees.
- Attempts to establish September 11 as a federal holiday have been made multiple times, mainly by representatives from states directly affected by the attacks, but none have advanced to a vote due to concerns over economic costs and the nature of the tragedy.
- The last federal holiday added was Juneteenth in 2021, marking the emancipation of enslaved Black people, following decades of advocacy and catalyzed by nationwide protests against racism.
- Federal holidays are established through congressional legislation and typically celebrate patriotic themes or historical events, but September 11 is viewed as a tragedy rather than a celebration, making its designation as a holiday less likely.
- Economic concerns, including the cost of paying federal employees and potential loss of productivity, have been cited by officials, including former President Trump, as reasons to limit the number of federal holidays.
