September 10, 2026 – La Fortaleza, San Juan, Puerto Rico – Twenty-five years after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Governor of Puerto Rico Jenniffer González-Colón and Secretary of State Rosachely Rivera invite the people of Puerto Rico to join the Nation in a solemn observance of Patriot Day, honoring the 2,977 innocent lives lost and the countless heroes who answered the call of duty in the face of unimaginable tragedy.

On that fateful morning, the peace of our Nation was shattered when terrorists attacked the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and United Airlines Flight 93, which crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The memory of those who perished remains forever in the hearts of their families, survivors, first responders, members of our Armed Forces, and all Americans whose lives were forever changed by that day.

Twenty-five years later, Puerto Rico joins the Nation in honoring the courage, valor, and sacrifice displayed on September 11 and in the days and years that followed. We remember the firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency personnel, military members, volunteers, and ordinary Americans who stepped forward to help their fellow citizens. Their selfless service and devotion to duty remain an enduring testament to the strength and unity of the American people.

The Government of Puerto Rico encourages government agencies, municipalities, private entities, communities, and citizens to join in this solemn observance through the following initiatives:

·       Moment of Silence: On Friday, September 11, at 8:46 a.m., the time American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center, agencies and organizations are encouraged to observe a moment of silence. Public address systems may be used to invite employees and visitors to participate in this solemn tribute.

·       Flags at Half-Staff: Flags should be flown at half-staff throughout Friday, September 11, in observance of Patriot Day and in honor of the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks.

·       Lighting of Buildings: Government and private buildings are encouraged to be illuminated in the colors of the American flag from the evening of Thursday, September 10, through the evening of Friday, September 11, 2026, as a tribute to the victims, heroes, and enduring spirit of our Nation.

Governor González-Colón will lead a solemn ceremony on Friday, September 11, honoring the victims of the attacks and the heroes who responded that day. The commemoration will be broadcast by WIPR beginning at 7:46 a.m.

Twenty-five years later, Puerto Rico remembers.

We honor the lives lost. We honor the heroes who answered the call. And we renew the solemn promise that America will never forget.

###