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Annual observance

Pardon Day

September 8 Cultural / community observance Updated 2025-12-18

This holiday is featured in the Obscure Holiday Calendar app with emoji-style visuals, reminders, and daily fun facts.

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Overview

Pardon Day, observed annually on September 8th, is an unofficial observance that encourages individuals to consider the act of forgiving, whether it's forgiving oneself, others, or seeking forgiveness. While not a formal public holiday, it serves as a symbolic day to reflect on mercy, second chances, and the restorative power of pardons, both personal and official, highlighting the theme of absolution and moving forward.

Observed each year on September 8, Pardon Day invites people to pause, share the story, and bring a little themed joy to their day.

Why it matters: Pardon Day, observed on September 8, emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and the healing it can bring to individuals and communities. This day serves as a reminder of the transformative power of mercy and the opportunity for second chances in our lives.

Origin and story

In the United States, presidential pardons are granted for federal offenses and restore certain rights, but do not expunge the conviction itself.

The U.S. Constitution (Article II, Section 2, Clause 1) grants the President the power to issue pardons and reprieves for federal crimes.

Quick facts

  • DateSeptember 8
  • TypeCultural / community observance
  • Great forFriends, Families, Classrooms, Teams

Ways to celebrate

  • Add Pardon Day to your Obscure Holiday Calendar app widget so you get a reminder next year.
  • Plan a 10-minute activity that fits the cultural / community observance vibe and make it a mini tradition.
  • Pardon Day lands on September 8 — host a quick nod with Friends, Families and snap a photo.
  • Bring the theme into your day—decorate a workspace, cook or bake something inspired by Pardon, or play music that matches the mood.
  • Bring Pardon Day to work or school with a short shout-out in a meeting or group chat.

Fun facts

  • In the United States, presidential pardons are granted for federal offenses and restore certain rights, but do not expunge the conviction itself.
  • The U.S. Constitution (Article II, Section 2, Clause 1) grants the President the power to issue pardons and reprieves for federal crimes.
  • One of the most famous presidential pardons was granted by Gerald Ford to Richard Nixon in 1974 for any crimes he may have committed as president.

Sources and attribution

Source not provided.

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FAQ

When is Pardon Day?
It is observed on September 8 each year.
What is Pardon Day?
Pardon Day, observed annually on September 8th, is an unofficial observance that encourages individuals to consider the act of forgiving, whether it's forgiving oneself, others, or seeking forgiveness. While not a formal public holiday, it serves as a symbolic day to reflect on mercy, second chances, and the restorative power of pardons, both personal and official, highlighting the theme of absolution and moving forward.
How do people celebrate Pardon Day?
Add Pardon Day to your Obscure Holiday Calendar app widget so you get a reminder next year.

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