Pardon Day
Track Pardon Day ⚖️ inside the Obscure Holiday Calendar app using reminders, visual badges, and social-ready cards.
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.
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
This date marks one of the most consequential uses of the presidential pardon power in U.S. history: on September 8, 1974, one month after taking office, President Gerald Ford granted Richard Nixon a full and unconditional pardon for any offenses committed as president, closing the door on possible Watergate-related prosecution.
Read the reasoning behind it
Helpful resources: The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library shares the pardon's full text, context, and Ford's own explanation in its Nixon Pardon topic guide.
Consider both sides of the decision
- The pardon was deeply unpopular at the time and is credited with hurting Ford's approval ratings, yet decades later he received the Kennedy Library's Profile in Courage Award for making the call.
Extend the idea personally
- Use the day to actually forgive someone, or ask forgiveness from someone, rather than just reflecting on the concept in the abstract.
Did you know?
Ford's pardon covered any offenses Nixon "committed or may have committed" during his presidency — a scope broad enough that Nixon was never formally charged with a crime related to Watergate.
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
External links may lead to third-party websites.
Continue your streak
Open one more holiday before you go to build daily momentum.
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?
- Read up on President Gerald Ford's September 8, 1974 pardon of Richard Nixon, one of the most consequential uses of the presidential pardon power, and use the day to actually forgive or seek forgiveness from someone.
Get the app
Thousands of obscure holidays, daily widgets, reminders, and fun facts—free on iOS and Android.