(WHTM) -- The United States has observed Patriot Day every year since the Sept. 11 attacks.

In December 2001, Congress designed Sept. 11 as Patriot Day to honor the nearly 3,000 people who died in the terrorist attacks against the U.S.

The law asks the president to issue an annual Proclamation for Patriot Day that directs the country's flag to fly at half-staff and that a moment of silence be observed. It is not a federal holiday, rather it is a commemoration.

In 2009, lawmakers also designated Sept. 11 as the National Day of Service and Remembrance.

The day is also observed in Pennsylvania, where Flight 93 crashed after passengers onboard fought back against al-Qaeda hijackers.

Gov. Josh Shapiro ordered all American and Commonwealth flags on all Commonwealth facilities, public buildi

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