Is Sept. 11 a federal holiday? What to know

As Americans prepare to mark the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on Friday, memorial ceremonies will be held nationwide and flags will fly at half-staff in remembrance of the nearly 3,000 people killed. The milestone is also prompting renewed interest in how the nation observes the day and whether Sept. 11 is a federal holiday.

The attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, reshaped the United States after hijacked planes struck the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Twenty-five years later, the anniversary will be commemorated with remembrance ceremonies, service events and tributes from current and former U.S. leaders. Here's what to know about flag observances and Sept. 11's status on the federal calendar.

About 30% of U.S. residents were born after 2001, according to U.S. Census Bureau data, meaning millions of Americans have no firsthand memory of the deadliest terrorist attack in U.S. history. For many, the day is remembered through museum exhibits, classroom lessons, anniversary broadcasts and the stories shared by survivors and victims' families.

Ceremonies will take place across the country, including the annual observance at Ground Zero in New York. Four former presidents, Joe Biden, George W. Bush, Barack Obama…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/