January 6th was the darkest day in American history. It was the greatest threat to our democracy since the Civil War. Donald Trump encouraged his supporters to assault the Capitol and threaten members of Congress and his Vice President. Our democracy prevailed, but we must take a moment to remember how fragile our system is. I demand that Americans take off school and work to remember January 6th as a national holiday to reflect on the events that happened on that day and to consider how our democracy can survive other national tragedies like the Civil War, World War I, World War II, 9/11, and January 6th.

We must treat January 6th not as a partisan talking point but as a solemn national reckoning. A day of remembrance would give schools, workplaces, and communities the space to teach and learn about the institutions that protect our freedoms, the responsibilities of citizenship, and the warning signs of democratic erosion. By pausing our normal routines, we create an opportunity for civic education—classroom lessons, public forums, and community events that strengthen civic literacy and encourage active, informed participation in our political life.

A national holiday would also honor those who risked their lives to defend the Capitol and the rule of law, and it would acknowledge the trauma experienced by members of Congress, staff, law enforcement, and countless citizens. Memorial services, plaques, and educational exhibits could be established to preserve the record of what happened and to ensure future generations understand the stakes. Commemoration should include bipartisan efforts to document the facts, support survivors, and promote healing across political divides.

We should pair remembrance with concrete steps to safeguard our institutions. On this day, lawmakers and civic leaders could convene panels on election security, the peaceful transfer of power, and the role of misinformation in undermining trust. Schools could incorporate age‑appropriate curricula about constitutional checks and balances, the history of civic protest, and nonviolent political engagement. Employers could offer workshops on civil discourse and encourage employees to volunteer in civic organizations.

Making January 6th a national day of reflection would not erase the pain of that day, but it would transform a moment of crisis into a sustained commitment to vigilance and renewal. It would send a clear message that attacks on democratic institutions are unacceptable and that every generation must actively defend the principles that bind us together. I call on Congress to pass legislation recognizing January 6th as a national day of remembrance, and on the President to sign it into law.

Please join this petition to urge our elected officials to act. Sign if you believe our nation should set aside a day to remember January 6th, to educate our children about the fragility of democracy, to honor those who defended it, and to recommit ourselves to the peaceful, lawful practice of self‑government. Together we can ensure that the lessons of that day strengthen, rather than weaken, the republic we all share.