September 11 National Days

September 11 is the 254th day of the year (255th in leap years), with 111 days remaining until the year’s end.

National Days on September 11th — September 11 National Days

The date is etched into history as a solemn remembrance of the 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States, now marked through service, reflection, and community solidarity. Alongside this day of national mourning, September 11 also hosts observances that encourage kindness, mental health conversations, personal habits, and even the enjoyment of timeless foods.

Here’s a look at the 7 national and international days celebrated on September 11.

National and International Days on September 11

Are You Okay Day / R U OK? Day 🇦🇺* (Second Thursday in September) is Australia’s national day of action encouraging people to check in on each other’s mental health by asking, “Are you OK?” Founded in 2009 by Gavin Larkin after losing his father to suicide, the day aims to break stigma, foster connection, and remind everyone that a single conversation can change a life.

Libraries Remember Day was initiated by Bill Erbes at the Bensenville Community Public Library in Illinois to honor the victims and heroes of the 9/11 attacks. By keeping their doors open each year on September 11, libraries serve as symbols of resilience, knowledge, and freedom in the face of terrorism.

National Hot Cross Bun Day is a modern, commercially driven holiday that brings this centuries-old Easter treat into the spotlight outside its traditional season. While hot cross buns have Christian roots dating back to medieval England, businesses such as Bakers Delight helped popularize a September celebration, encouraging people to enjoy the buns year-round.

National Make Your Bed Day promotes the simple but powerful habit of bed-making. While its exact origins are unclear, the observance reflects ideas often echoed by military traditions and wellness advocates—that starting the day with a completed task creates momentum, organization, and a sense of accomplishment.

National School Picture Day* (Second Thursday in September) was founded in 2019 by Lifetouch, a company that has specialized in student photography since 1936. It honors the tradition of school portraits that chronicle a child’s growth, foster community through yearbooks and composites, and preserve treasured family memories.

No News is Good News Day takes its name from a proverb dating back to at least the early 1600s, attributed to King James I of England and later recorded by James Howell. The phrase suggests that in the absence of troubling updates, one can assume all is well. Today the observance encourages people to disconnect from the constant flow of information, finding peace in quiet and the absence of headlines.

September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance / Patriot Day was officially established in 2001 by Public Law 107-89, signed by President George W. Bush, to honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. It is a day of reflection and community service, with U.S. flags flown at half-staff and a moment of silence observed. The observance calls for transforming tragedy into unity through acts of kindness and civic engagement.