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Sep8 Fun Holiday – Pardon Day

September 8 is Pardon Day, a day to seek and give forgiveness. On Pardon Day put aside all your grudges, be kind to everyone and forgive those who may have hurt you.

Little girl apologizes to boy

Practice forgiveness in your life.

©iStockphoto.com/alexytrener

It is thought that the day owes its existence to the pardon granted by United States President Gerald Ford to former President Nixon for his involvement in the Watergate Scandal on September 8, 1974.

Giving Pardon

While the word pardon can be commonly used as a synonym of forgiveness, the word has a very specific legal implication. It is used to refer to an official or legal act that releases an individual or a group from the punishment for a crime. In its legal form a pardon is usually given by the head of a government, state or a religious authority. In many countries the rules of a pardon are coded in law or in the constitution.

Forgive and Be Happy

Forgiveness is the deliberate act of giving up on feelings of resentment or vengeance towards a person, group, or institution that may have wronged you. Most religions and cultures hold forgiveness as one of the key elements of living a good, honest and pure life. Scientific studies have shown that practicing forgiveness can improve the physical and mental health of the forgiver. People who forgive those who have hurt them tend to live happier and healthier lives.

This unofficial holiday is also known as International Pardon Day or National Pardon Day in the U.S.

How to Celebrate?

  • There is nothing wrong in saying sorry, so if you have someone you think you have hurt, tell them that you are sorry. Write a nice note or meet them for coffee.
  • If someone comes to you to apologize for something they have done, be gracious and forgive them.

Did You Know...

...that the word pardon comes from the Latin perdonare meaning to grant freely?

Pardon Day Observances

Fun Holiday: Pardon Day Observances
YearWeekdayDateName
2024SunSep 8Pardon Day
2025MonSep 8Pardon Day
2026TueSep 8Pardon Day
2027WedSep 8Pardon Day
2028FriSep 8Pardon Day
2029SatSep 8Pardon Day
2030SunSep 8Pardon Day
2031MonSep 8Pardon Day
2032WedSep 8Pardon Day
2033ThuSep 8Pardon Day

See all Fun Holidays

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