Why isn't 9/11 a national holiday?

It's one of the most infamous dates in U.S. history. But it isn't a federal holiday.

The Tribute in Lights
(Image credit: (REUTERS/Gary Hershorn))

In New York City, Sept. 11 is something of a somber, unofficial holiday, with quiet memorial events around the city and twin beams of light rising from the Manhattan skyline.

It is not, however, an official federal holiday — which is why businesses and schools don't shut down. Instead, Congress dubbed it a "National Day of Service and Remembrance," which lawmakers officially named "Patriot Day" in 2001.

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Keith Wagstaff is a staff writer at TheWeek.com covering politics and current events. He has previously written for such publications as TIME, Details, VICE, and the Village Voice.