SURVEY SAYS – Should 09/11 Be a Holiday?

We now have a name for the day (Patriot Day, not to be confused with Patriot’s Day), but it is not a federal holiday and schools (and most) businesses do not close.  

This week I asked readers if you thought 09/11 should be designated a national holiday.   The answer, while not unanimous, was clear.  

Overall, 82.2% said it should not be designated a national holiday, 37.8% said they thought the observance should be personal/private, while the remaining 44.4% (the most common response) said no “for some other reason.”   More on that in a moment.

However, roughly one-in-eight ( 12.2% ) were in favor of the idea, while the rest ( 5.6% ) said they weren’t sure.

The reasons for not turning 09/11 into a national holiday were varied.   Many were afraid that the commemorations would be diminished by the status (one reader noted, "Because we have managed to turn all holidays into a reason/excuse to have big parties, while forgetting the reason behind the holiday. If 9/11 became a national holiday, it would be just another to day have a BBQ. The innocent people that lost their lives that day deserve better." ), others said that commemorating that day would glorify the wrong things/ideas (one reader noted, "Sanctifying the day might only encourage those responsible to try again. It would admit how much they really got to us." ), and many saw going about our daily lives was the best response (one reader said "I think that going to work on that day is greater show of patriotism and fortitude than staying at home") - and a few thought that making it a national holiday would bring out the worst in us ( "It would only serve to keep hate alive," observed one).  

There were a number of readers with personal experiences, such as the reader who shared, "I strongly feel that the day should not be deemed a national holiday. As someone that was down at the towers that day (the only reason why I am here is that I was running late because I voted in the primaries that morning - otherwise, I would have been on the train that was stuck under the towers) I feel that creating a national holiday out of the day will demean it and turn it into a "day off" for people instead of a day of reflection."

There were a number who thought that 09/11, while significant, should be commemorated in the same way as Pearl Harbor Day (December 7).   One reader noted, "It was a traumatic day that changed the course of the United States but it wasn't the first and won't be the last. There have been many other days in which more Americans were killed in a single event (Civil War battles, maybe WWI and WWII battles).   And, I think holidays should be about something positive. Much as I like a day off, I don't want to take a day that was caused by terrorists."

Another reader noted, "It was an awful tragedy. However, designating it as a national holiday would make it a celebration. I would prefer to be reminded of the horror of all the innocent people that lost their lives, their families and co-workers who survived, and the many people who helped. It should be a day of prayer for peace."

Another said, " How quickly eight years go by. And how quickly we seem to forget how we felt on September 12 - when we were resolved to stand up for the American way of life, fight terrorism, protect our national security, and live life with a focus on what's most important. May we never forget...and may we have the strength and resolve to stand up for what we believe in as a nation and not let those things get swept away in waves of political correctness."

But this week's Editor's Choice goes to the reader who noted, "If a terrorist attack is intended to promote fear, there is no better way to renew our resolve to carry on and live in freedom than by going about our daily activities at work and school, mindful of the anniversary."

There were a lot of great, inspirational, and yes, provocative responses this week.   I encourage you to read them - and to remember.

Thanks to everyone who participated in our survey!

• I think of a holiday as a day to celebrate something--an event or someone's life/contributions. As a day of remembrance, we haven't done so well--Memorial Day has turned into the unofficial start of summer and the beginning of the pool season. I'm afraid something similar will happen to 9/11. We forget the events of that day at our peril.
• Should it be? We honor/recognize/mourn those that have lost their lives in war, should we do the same for civilians who lost their lives at the hands of terrorists?
• Dec. 7th (Pearl Harbor, 1941) is not a National Holiday.   We don't typically designate a day where we 'lost' as a national holiday.   Just like we celebrate the days important people were Born, not the date they Died.   That would provide incentive for more attacks and assassinations.   We wouldn't want to have John Wilkes Booth day or Lee Harvey Oswald day on our calendars every year, would we?
• Although it affected the entire country, it should not be a national holiday.   This was a tragedy, like Pearl Harbor.   It can be recognized, but not as a national holiday; it's not a cause for celebration.
• I believe there have been tragic days in the past (such as the bombing of Pearl Harbor) that should be solemnly remembered and the victims honored but you don't need a national holiday to do so. There were heroes and victims in the 9/11 tragedy who should never be forgotten but that can be accomplished without making it a day off where the vast majority of people won't even think about why.
• Absolutely not. What? celebrate complacence, indifference, intolerance, impertinence and impatience. The giant blinked and still dozes drunkenly. I'm not a patriot, radical, leftist, rightist or part of an 'ism' but an American, not a (fill-in-the-blank) American mind you, that feels 9/11 showed how un-united we really are, absent an immediate and sole response to disaster, and bared our "throw money at it" attitude. "Me First" remains our national motto and "What's in it for me" our national incentive. Celebrate greatness following an event ie Independence Day...not the emperor's new clothes.
• I believe we have enough holidays.   Independence and Memorial Day should really cover it all...both are perfect ways to celebrate our country and those that got us here/keep us here.    I think 9/11 is now taking some P/C angles....I may be looked down upon for voting no.   But there are many other events and heroes that have shaped our country; many other victims of terrors and surviving actions, that should also be celebrated.....so where do we stop?
• There were many heroes on that day. But, designating it a national holiday almost sounds like a celebration of terrorism. We should honor those heroes lost, and those that survived, on Patriot's Day and not create a holiday that the fanatics can claim as their own.
• Too close to Labor Day

• Those first responders, many of whom perished when the towers collapsed or are now suffering from health issues brought on by the air they were breathing that day, taught us all a lot about selflessness, courage and heroism.   Not to mention the passengers on United Flight 93 and even those victims at the pentagon.   There absolutely should be a holiday to memorialize these heroes and show terrorists that the USA is made up of heroes like these and as such the country will always persevere and stand strong.
• No more than Pearl Harbor, Armistice Day, etc.
• I would not want a "holiday" based on what occurred on this historic day; but, I do think that some sort of national recognition/ceremony should take place to serve not only as a reminder of what can and did happen, but also out of our respect to[and for] those many, many families who lost someone on that day.   As a nation, we NEED to remember always so that we remain ever on-the-ready to avoid it happening again.
• ABSOLUTELY NOT.   National "holidays" should be reserved for something good, not something as evil as 9/11.
• Many innocent and brave Americans died on 9/11, but I think Federal holidays should have positive connotations.   To make it a holiday would be like celebrating the day the Japanese attached Pearl Harbor.
• Other large attacks on the US (Pearl Harbor) or large battles (D-Day) are not federal holidays.   That doesn't mean they should be forgotten!!! 
• Is the day Pearl Harbor was bombed a national holiday?   I think not.
• Pearl Harbor Day, D-Day, the Battle of Antietam, the Galveston Hurricane, etc. were all events marked by the loss of many American lives and none of those are celebrated as holidays. Sept 11, while undeniably tragic and scarring to our national psyche, is no more tragic - and perhaps less so - than these other events
• I should be a day of mourning or remembrance.
• As tragic as it was with so many victims, making it a federal holiday may trivialize it too much. It it would become too commercial. Educating future generations about he tragedy is much more important than making it into a holiday. Look how much has been lost about the true meaning of Memorial Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day...those are days that are appreciated now as days off from school or work rather than days to remember why they are holidays in the first place. Some still do, but for the most part, very few actually honor those days as days to really remember the sacrifices made.
• I think the Memorial Day commemoration should include both military personnel who fought for our country and also those civilians who lost their lives from direct attacks against our country, including 9/11 and Pearl Harbor victims.

• I'd be afraid that retailers turned the holiday into a day of sales, etc.
• Absolutely not.   While it was a tragedy, it should be something we try to get past, not something we revisit and keep alive.   Besides, every national holiday that started as a serious remembrance is now just another excuse for a sale at the local furniture store/car dealership and a day off that only some get to take.
• This was not the first, nor the last mainland terrorist attack
• No, not until Osama Bin Laden is caught and then we can commemorate the day for the right reason.
• National holidays are for celebrations. Similar to Pearl Harbor Day, 9/11 should be designated a federal remembrance day, so that we may not forget those who lost their lives in the attcks.
• There are other such terrorist attacks, disasters, etc. when many people have perished and there are not specific holidays designated or the event has been forgotten.   This is just the most recent, and closest to home....what about the other millions of people around the world that have lost thier lives in tragic events?   Although it would not be enough, there could be one day where people can reflect on the tragic loss of life that is personal to them.
• Don't need a holiday for every historical event that occurs.
• For the same reason we don't get Pearl Harbor Day off - commemoration is appropriate.
• It was a traumatic day that changed the course of the United States but it wasn't the first and won't be the last.   There have been many other days in which more Americans were killed in a single event (Civil War battles, maybe WWI and WWII battles).   There have been other days America has been attacked (Dec. 7th).   And, I think holidays should be about something positive.   Much as I like a day off, I don't want to take a day that was caused by terrorists.   Sure, I can remember the heros, the victims, and all the things we do to make the world a better place but in fact, the terrorists came up with the day and caused all of the trauma.   I don't want to schedule a holiday into my calendar that had it's germination in the minds of terrorists.
• We shouldn't turn this horrific tragedy into a national holiday; at least it shouldn't be called a national holiday.   Let's remember those whose lives were taken in a dignified rather than celebratory manner.

• While this event was tragic and affected all Americans, giving the day a special designated national holiday gives recognition to the disgusting terrorists who plotted to harm our country and citizens.   It makes no sense to acknowledge their actions more than solemn remembrance for the losses we suffered.   National holiday's are a day to celebrate joys to our life and country not to feed the ego's of morons who have no respect for life.
• It doesn't matter to me....if it does become a national holiday, it would just be added to the list of other holidays (Presidents, Columbus & Veterans) that my bank doesn't observe! Ironically, people think that all banks are closed on Holidays....I've worked for two national and one regional bank and none of them were closed on all 11 national holidays.
• the heroism that was displayed that day is something we will never forget.   However, we would not want the terrorists of this world to have any reason to interpret what we might do by providing any reason for them to think that they, instead of the day's heros were being recognized.   Silent prayer, prayer services around the country, flags at half mast, anything to remind us that we are strong and will not let horrific acts like that deter us.
• I think of a "holiday" as a day of celebration, such as honoring the courage and sacrifice of those who fell in battle, the birth of the individual who is the basis of the country's most prevalent religion, a day of thanks for the bounty this country enjoys (especially compared to many in the world), etc.   While I mourn those lost to the terrorist attack on 9/11, I see little cause to celebrate the day.
• We have Veteran's Day to honor veterans of wars, but no day to honor innocent victims of terrorism.   We need this recognition for those people who died, were injured, and for their families.   Just by being Americans (or in America) they were targeted.   They deserve our attention on this and every somber anniversary.
• Similar to bombing of Pearl Harbor - that is not a national holiday - but a day that continues to be remembered each year.
• Sanctifying the day might only encourage those responsible to try again.   It would admit how much they really got to us.
• How many people actually remember the veterans on Memorial Day?   How many people actually sit back and think about the founding of our country on July 4?   Most people give a passing thought to the holiday and just use it as an opportunity to grill burgers and take the day off work.   I would think that that would be the case with a Sept 11 holiday as well, maybe not this year, but in a decade from now.
• If we make it a holiday, it will just become another playday.
• Pearl Harbor Day is not a national holiday; I think we should commemorate good events as national holidays, not negative, tragic events.
• """December 7th, 1941, a date which shall live in infamy"" is not a Federal holiday. Nor should Sept 11th be.

• We have too may days where government workers are paid but don't have to work already.   Remembrance should be personal."
• Yes this is a hallowed day - if we make it a national holiday it will be merchandised and become a sales day like memorial day and Labor day let alone the Presidents day
• If this tragedy is given a special day then others will expect it to be given for their situation.   We loose many great people for various reasons throughout the year.   Each milestone cannot have it's day.   If this is approved then Bin Laden would have another reason to celebrate.
• 9/11 is historically same as December 7th and should be a day of reflection.   We do not need a national holiday to remember Americans who died on those dates in early morning attacks.
• The date of the attack on Pearl Harbor is not a national holiday so 09/11/01 should not be. It should be a date that is discussed/remembered in schools and homes.
• If a terrorist attack is intended to promote fear, there is no better way to renew our resolve to carry on and live in freedom than by going about our daily activities at work and school, mindful of the anniversary.
• This would be a powerful temptation to engage in jingoistic displays of nationalism. I think it's better to honor our 'martyrs' privately or in small community-based commemorations that are respectful and quick, but as a nation to publicly demonstrate that we are moving on to try to deal with the present and future.
• Where do you draw the line with national holidays? What about the day Pearl Harbor was bombed & other tragedies related to the US?
• I liken it to the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, as another "day that will live in infamy."   September 11, 2001 was a day of dread and outrage that helped expose our national security weaknesses, ignited the mobilization of war efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq, and hurried along the creation of a centralized and overloaded national security bureau.   However, rather than a war-related effort against a military installation, this was an attack by religious fanatics that took the lives of innocent people and caused the vast destruction of private property.   So I suppose the idea of a holiday would be to commemorate the actions of the people who were killed, to honor those who helped save lives or derail additional attacks, and to celebrate the American spirit.   The way Memorial Day honors our soldiers, alive and dead, this new holiday would honor non-military people, the "common man and woman," the public safety officers, the volunteer, the neighbor.   However, I always expect the American people to respond to crises with quick resolve, heroism and love of country.   It's the way we are and always will be.   I believe we as a nation already collectively use this tragic day to commemorate those qualities in our own personal way.   We don't need to add it as another federal holiday, which really means just a day off from work.

• The 9/11 attack was intended to disrupt and destroy all facets of our daily lives, especially conducting of business.   WORKING people were attacked AT THEIR WORKPLACE!    I think that going to work on that day is greater show of patriotism and fortitude than staying at home.
• same reason we don't have a holiday for Pearl Harbor Day, a "day that will live in infamy"
• Only if the holiday always feel on 9/11.   It would be a little weird if the holiday was moved to 9/10 or 9/12 because that was the closest Monday.
• The "terrorists" would gain more notoriety and pleasure from the day than US citizens.
• I don't think it should be tuned into just another day off, which would surely be "floated" in short order to become another three day holiday weekend, with the original purpose for the holiday gnerally ignored as time passes.
• I believe that December 7, 1941 was a much more significant date.
• Unfortunately, I had to choose no. Because we have managed to turn all holidays into a reason/excuse to have big parties, while forgetting the reason behind the holiday. If 9/11 became a national holiday, it would be just another to day have a BBQ. The innocent people that lost their lives that day deserve better.
• No , because I liken it to the attack on Pearl Harbor and that was also viscious attack on th U.S. and we do not have that day as a national holiday. We clearly need to remember both days as well as D-Day but not as national or state holidays.
• This is no reason for a holiday; it is reason for reflection on what happened and how we prevent it from ever happening again.   We do not celebrate the attack on Pearl Harbor but we do remember what took place in our own ways.
• The government would be the only one taking a holiday.   They do not need another holiday!
• While this is likely not the popular sentiment, I think setting aside this one day as a national holiday is wrong.   There are so many days that could similarly be recognized.   I think to recognize this day diminishes the importance of other days.   While I do not deny this was a national tragedy that sparked emotion and patriotism rarely seen in this country, there are many other things that have made us feel pride or patriotism or even shame.   Is the bombing of Pearl Harbor a national holiday although it similarly was an attack on American soil?   Do we dishonor the Japanese that we so shamefully put in internment camps if we honor those who died on 9/11?   I don't know.   I just think it's way more complicated than most people think.

• "Many individuals are beginning to understand that we get what we put our attention upon.   The traditional view was that we had to know our history in order to avoid repeating it but, in fact, the contrary is true.   As we focus upon things in history that we do not want to repeat we increase the liklihood of their being repeated.   Our focus should be upon those things we want; not remembering something unwanted.  
• I know many will not understand this as the knowledge of it is not yet common despite books on the subject making the NY Times Best Seller list in recent times.   Think of it this way.   When you want to go somewhere, do you look on a map and look for places you do not want to go or do you look for where you want to go?
• Life is the same way - we go where we look.   If we look at things we do not want we will get more of them."
• It's a day we will all remember - it does not need to be memorialized.
• Not unless we want to give up Labor Day, and I don't see that happening anytime soon...
• So we never forget what took place and try to do our best to make sure it never takes place again
• It most certainly was a day of tragedy, however, we don't have Pearl Harbor Day as a national holiday, and neither should 9/11.   Forever, it should be a national day of remembrance at most.
• I think Federal State and local employees have more than enough holidays already.   My company stays open regardless and I have to find child care as do MOST working parents on all those damned "holidays".   Not to be a Grinch - but come on! I thought it was great they finally lumped the Presidents birthdays into one holiday - now how about adding just ALL great leaders to that day - like MLK - so we don't have YET ANOTHER day to find child care because school is closed BUT mommy & daddy have to work for a living?!
• We should designate December 7 (as in 1941) first. Way more important date.
• It should be recognized in similar fashion to Pearl Harbor Day.
• While I do not want to belittle the profound impact this day had on a great number of individuals and our nation as a whole, there a good number of other tragic events that have occurred in the history of our country.   Having a holiday for one implies that one is more important than the other and I do not think we should make that judgment.
• We will never forget so what good is it to take a day off where we can do something that would make us not remember?

• No, 9/11 should not be a holiday any more than Pearl Harbor Day should be.
• No, absolutely not.   It's one thing to honor our soldiers on Memorial Day, but to have a holiday based on a tragedy - a terrorist attack yet - I don't think we should commemorate such a terrible occurrence.   If that were the case, December 7th should be a holiday too, right?
• I think the way to honor those that died and to prove to the terrorists that they can't stop us from living our lives, we need to continue exactly like we always would.
• It would only serve to keep hate alive.
• Too close to Labor Day.   I suggest making December 7th a National Holiday, as a 'day of reflection'.
• The events of 9/11 are similar to, though distinctly different from-including circumstances, the attack on Pearl Harbor.   The date of that attack is known as Pearl Harbor day and is not a national holiday.   In similar fashion, given those noted similarities of the two events, the 9/11 date, in my opinion, should be given a recognized significance, such as a name, even commemorated in a public manner, but not designated as a national holiday.
• I think the commemoration should be personal and private and will mean much more to those who lost family and friends.   If we could celebrate the lost lives and not the event, I think a celebration would be better served.
• We need to remember 9/11. Too many people have forgotten what happened that day. We need to be reminded about what happened and how we all came together after that.
• I tend to initially say no but when I think back on those events and the way those images captivated the entire nation and the discussion they spurned with children and adults alike, I tend to change my mind. It was a terrifying day; the images still seem to stop me in my tracks and I just can not believe that it happened. So, the lasting impact of that seems somehow different from other similar type events and I think the nation as a whole feels that as well. So, in the end, I would certainly support such a move.
• I completely agree with making 9/11 a national holiday.   The only things that should be open are Church services and other ceremonies.   Everything else should be closed to give everyone a chance to reflect on what happened and how fragile life can be.

• I hope that we have all become more aware of how very fragile life is and that no day can be taken for granted.
• Besides....this is not the time, economically, to add more holidays!
• We should NEVER EVER forget
• Let's hope people never forget the sacrifices made that day.
• However, it is important that we individually remember it for what it should have taught us about our vulnerability in an increasingly violent world of people who would love nothing better than to see our form of society with it's personal freedoms fail.   Unfortunately, there are many Americans, some who are in government leadership positions, who have 1) already forgotten the lesson, 2) experienced the event, but never learned the lesson, or worse, 3) support the population who want to see those freedoms dissolved for more restrictive centralized power and control.
• Enough federal holidays already.
• I think that designating 9/11 as a national holiday would only insure it's future trivialization and turn it into yet another day to go to the mall and shop for all of the 9/11 specials.
• Why would we want to commemorate one of the most tragic days in the history of this country? It's not like Pearl Harbor, where we eventually overcame the Japanese in WWII. We didn't even make that a holiday and rightfully so. National holidays should be reserved to commemorate events that lead to a positive outcome, moving this country forward for the betterment of all Americans. Sadly, I don't see the war on terror as having such an outcome, because we will never succeed.
• I am so sick and tired to people's whining about security measures since 9/11.   Frankly, I don't think we have enough measures in place!   We still have a tremendous number of "undesirables" entering our nation and who knows what they are planning; and, since we don't keep a tally, with whom are they meeting/gathering???   Just because you don't readily "SEE" your enemy, doesn't mean that they are not here!   As a nation, we ought to be ashamed of ourselves for allowing this scenario to even exist, let alone continue.   Enough said?

• Holiday's should be for celebration and special collective remembrance (i.e. Memorial Day).   We should not celebrate 9/11.
• NO.   Designating it as a national holiday will ultimately relegate it to the same status as every other designated 'holiday' or 'day of remembrance," i.e., a great three-day weekend, or the perfect excuse for a retail day of sales.
• Let's remember 9/11 for what it was, the most tragic day in American history on which cowardly terrorists killed thousands on our soil to protest America's freedom, values and humanitarian beliefs. Remember the thousands who died and their families whose lives were turned upside down and inside out by this horrendous event. Those families left behind will never forget. Unfortunately, the rest of us may unless a conscious effort is made to memorialize 9/11 through education and sincere meaningful memorials.
• I didn't even know it had been designated as Patriot Day.   I saw it on my wall calendar, and thought... That's not right, it's not Patriot's Day.   Too confusing.
• "Another reason:   Labor Day is just a few days prior.   Also, the shape the day is currently taking is a good one.   We all get on with our lives like the terrorists don't want us to do - we work, we shop, we have a working legal system, we get an education, we help people, we live in tolerance.   Many organizations focus on things we can do for the community either outside of work or for a couple of hours during work.   I support that but not a day off. 

• I just don't want Osama bin Laden to go to his grave smiling that we have a holiday that he created."
• While certainly a terrible tragedy in our history, I think our commemorations should be work-place based as well as personal/private. I don't think it should be a federal holiday.
• I think our Country needs to get back to remembering and honoring those that were killed on that day and a holiday would help us remember and give them the respect they deserve forever!!   I don't care about the day off but unless you saw the horror that day it does not mean as much to you so I think for the children we need to honor it in a public way!
• I used to work on the 101st floor of 2 WTC but had left the company before 9/11.   However, I happened to be in lower Manhattan that day on business and witnessed the entire thing.   Despite losing 6 former colleagues and friends in the attack and my personal experience, this is something that should be remembered with anger, not remorse.   We must remember the pain so that we never let it happen again.   A national holiday is not appropriate for that, any more than there should be a holiday to commemorate Pearl Harbor or TWA Flight 800 (which I believe was shot down deliberately).
• I think its a day we should all take the time to think about the freedoms and choices we have as Americans and be thankful to those who are responsible for us having them.   Its also a day to reflect on the events of 2001 and commitment to continue to fight to keep these freedoms.
• I'll never forget that day, as with "Remember the Alamo!"
• I still remember watching it all happen on TV that morning, I missed the first plane, but watched the second one.   So tragic, I live in rural Kansas and still felt the effects of this tragedy as it happened.   So that can show it effected everyone.   I still pray for the families that lost their loved ones.
• This day will be remembered for many, many years without it being a national holiday.   It will be in the text books for my great, great grandchildren to read.

• I think something symbolic in the way of a piece of sculpture or building would be OK. We have at least a few memorials in Washington, DC & something could perhaps be included there.
• Yes, it is an important day, but I don't believe we need a national holiday.   People can take a vacation day if it really it that critical.   I am not discounting the tragedy but I am just saying that we don't need a holiday.
• I was an awful tragedy.   However, designating it as a national holiday would make it a celebration.   I would prefer to be reminded of the horror of all the innocent people that lost their lives, their families and co-workers who survived, and the many people who helped.   It should be a day of prayer for peace.
• It was one of the saddest and most tragic days in our history and should never be forgotten.   But I think they should rebuild the area after constructing an appropriate memorial.
• I believe that this should be covered by Memorial day which is already observed.   Since national holidays will always be a limited to a few days, we should not obligate it observance but include it with Memorial day. If on its' 25 Anniversary it still generates the need for ceremonies and pomp than we should consider it as a national holiday.
• 9/11 was a very tragic day but there have been many other dates (December 7) that could also qualify as a designated national holiday.   The only other national holiday that should be added is Election Day so that no one has any excuse for not voting.
• I think it is an embarrassment that this administration is attempting to makeover September 11th into a national day of service.   Americans have a right not to serve just as they have a right to serve if they desire.   This coercion from the President and his followers gives pause to most Americans.
• Although I do not support the idea of closing school/work for 9/11, I want to make sure our children are aware of the importance of this day. Many of us (at least on the east coast) were at work/on the way to work when the terrorist attacks occurred so it seems appropriate that we continue to go to work as part of our personal remembrance.   Moments of silences or sharing a story with a co-worker may be a better way to heal.   Many things about 9/11 come to mind: beautiful/clear day; phone call from friend in WTC tower 7 about MNF game (Giants/Broncos) minutes before 1st plane struck; phone call from another friend on governor's island minutes after the 1st plane struck; trying continuously to call friends in WTC towers; convincing co-workers to leave mid-town NYC building after towers collapse; walking uptown to a co-worker's apartment and a fighter jet flying low overhead; eerily quiet train ride home in early evening to NJ and the smoke coming from WTC site.

• "Sorry. I did not follow the rules of submission the first time around, so here goes: Declaring 9/11 a national ""holiday"" only makes for another day of sales and ""specials"" at the malls, just as Memorial Day has become.
• Why not declare it a national day of remembrance, and do what Israel does - sound the sirens all over the country simultaneously so that traffic and everything else comes to a halt, and people throughout the country stand and pause for a minute or so."
• It shouldn't be a national holiday, but deserves recognition in the same way we recognize Pearl Harbor Day as a milestone event in our history.   That said, I don't think Patriot Day is an appropriate name, because of the confusion with Patriots' Day and it doesn't say anything about the event.   Why not just use 9/11?
• Memorial Day is the national holiday for remembrance. I would not like to see a terrorist attack be commemorated as a holiday!
• A better "Patriot Day" memorial is the fund raiser that golf courses voluntarily participate in each September.   It's not political and all funds raised are used to provide scholarships for children of those who have been killed in service to their country.
• "It was a tragedy and I can't see why we should be making a holiday out of it.   Holidays generally denote celebrations, parades, etc. SALES GALORE - do we really want to see the 9/11 sales fliers in our mail boxes?! How grossly inappropriate.

• Lump 9/11 and all of our other tragedies into one great holiday - Oh yeah - we already do that - Memorial day - we remember our fallen heroes - along with Veterans Day - yeah - BTDT - all ready done.
• Covered. Time to move on... No more holidays..."
• I agree it was a tragedy that so many lost their lives through no fault of their own; a lot of people have been caught in the "right place wrong time" scenario.   While I don't think it would be wrong to commemorate such an occasion, I don't think it's right.
• Just that it should be remembered, acknowledged nationally and be included in history lessons for all elementary and secondary ed students.
• December 7th is not a holiday.   Most of us don't even get Veterans Day as a holiday.   Do you really believe that people living in Texas, Alabama, or even California have the same feelings for 9/11 as residents of this area ... I don't.
• Why is Bin Laden still possibly alive, 8 YEARS later?
• I strongly feel that the day should not be deemed a national holiday.   As someone that was down at the towers that day (the only reason why I am here is that I was running late because I voted in the primaries that morning - otherwise, I would have been on the train that was stuck under the towers) I feel that creating a national holiday out of the day will demean it and turn it into a "day off" for people instead of a day of reflection.   As I think about it, the only thing I can compare it to is Memorial Day where I know that I look at it as a "day off" and I often forget to remember the troops that gave their lives to protect the freedoms that I take for granted on a daily basis.   I would hate for that to happen to 9/11.   We should remember the day for what it is - a day where many people lost their lives for either just being American or while trying to save some stranger that was trapped in building.   (I can also tell you that as I write this I hope that next year on Memorial Day I think of all the men and women that gave their lives for our country instead of the extra few hours that I was able to sleep in the morning.
• Commemorations are different from holidays.   It seems to me that we look for any reason to "celebrate" without thinking of the true meaning of the event.   It then becomes simply a vacation day.   I see nothing wrong with commemorating this tragic event in some dignified, solemn fashion.   But it is certainly not a day to party or send people out to shop some fake holiday sale.

• How quickly eight years go by.   And how quickly we seem to forget how we felt on September 12 - when we were resolved to stand up for the American way of life, fight terrorism, protect our national security, and live life with a focus on what's most important.   May we never forget...and may we have the strength and resolve to stand up for what we believe in as a nation and not let those things get swept away in waves of political correctness.
• It would seem odd to observe 9/11 as a holiday.   We don't observe 12/7 as a holiday.   But the events of Pearl Harbor were quite horrible.   And given enough time, we could think of many other horrible things worthy of our quiet reflection.   At some point, we'd run out of room for holidays.   And it would seem wrong to try to "rank" them to pick only one or two to "honor".
• We have not and cannot have a holiday for every disaster in the life of our country.   For instance there is no holiday for December 7th, Pearl Harbor Day - certainly as worthy.   In addition, turning a national tragedy into a day to get off work seems rather trite and disrespectful.