Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Patriot Day 2026 marks 25 years since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, a day that profoundly affected the United States. On that morning, four commercial jet planes were hijacked by radical Islamic terrorists and used to carry out deadly attacks.
At 8:46 a.m., American Airlines Flight 11 was intentionally flown into the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City, followed by United Airlines Flight 175 striking the South Tower. The collapse of both towers occurred within less than two hours, resulting in thousands of casualties and extensive destruction.
The attacks also included American Airlines Flight 77 crashing into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, killing members of the Armed Forces and civil servants. Additionally, passengers aboard United Airlines Flight 93, aware of the unfolding attacks, resisted the hijackers, causing the plane to crash in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, before it could reach its intended target near the nation’s capital.
In total, 2,977 people died in these coordinated attacks. Patriot Day serves as a solemn occasion to remember the victims, honor the heroes, and educate future generations about this pivotal moment in American history.