Rep. John McGuire introduces the National Patriot Day Remembrance Flag Act

June 29, 2026
Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representative John McGuire introduced the National Patriot Day Remembrance Flag Act to designate the Freedom Flag as a national symbol of remembrance for September 11, 2001, ensuring the lives lost in the terrorist attacks are not forgotten. 

“As the terror attacks on September 11, 2001, unfolded, brave first responders ran headfirst into danger, risking, and sacrificing their lives to save others,” said Rep. John McGuire (VA-05). “The Freedom Flag serves as a solemn reminder of the thousands of lives lost by first responders and everyday people on that dark day that will forever be cemented in American history. Sadly, thousands of Americans and military members died as a result of 9/11 and we must live a life worthy of their sacrifice. My National Patriot Day Remembrance Flag Act designates the Freedom Flag as a national symbol of remembrance for September 11, 2001, to ensure the legacies of those lost are never forgotten."

"As we approach the 25th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks, we have a responsibility to ensure the lives lost and the heroism displayed that day are never forgotten," said Rep. Andrew Garbarino (NY-02). "I am proud to co-lead the National Patriot Day Remembrance Flag Act, which designates the Freedom Flag as our nation's official symbol of remembrance for September 11th and ensures it will be prominently displayed at federal sites across the country each year from Patriot Day to the end of September. I thank Congressman McGuire for his partnership on this important legislation and his commitment to ensuring the legacy of September 11th endures for generations to come."

Background:  

  • The National Patriot Day Remembrance Flag Act designates the Freedom Flag 

    as the National Symbol for Remembrance for September 11, 2001
  • The Freedom Flag was designed by a Virginian to foster the establishment of a national symbol of remembrance that honors and remembers the victims, heroic first responders, and all who were affected by the events of September 11, 2001
  • Requires the Freedom Flag be displayed each year on Patriot Day from September 11 through the end of September at federal buildings
  • The Freedom Flag shall follow the POW/MIA Flag in any order of precedence
  • Disposal and retirement of the Freedom Flag shall comply with Veterans Affairs retirement and flag disposal practices

A copy of the bill can be found here.