September 8 National Days

September 8 is the 251st day of the year (252nd in leap years), leaving 114 days until the year’s end.

National Days on September 8th — September 8 National Days

The observances on September 8 highlight literacy, forgiveness, healthcare, design, and popular culture. From UNESCO’s long-running campaign for global literacy to the celebration of Star Trek’s vision of a better future, the day reflects both serious commitments to education and health, as well as creative and lighthearted tributes like the ampersand symbol or the joy of acting.

Here’s a look at the 10 national and international days celebrated on September 8.

National and International Days on September 8

Actors’ Day is a tribute to performers across theater, film, and television. While its exact origins are unclear, the observance has gained recognition as a way to honor the dedication and craft of actors at every level, not just the celebrities in the spotlight. Acting requires both technical skill and emotional depth, allowing performers to embody characters and bring stories to life. The day encourages audiences to reflect on how performances shape culture, build empathy, and expand imagination.

International Literacy Day has been observed each year on September 8 since 1967, following its declaration by UNESCO in 1966. The day calls attention to the fundamental role of literacy in reducing poverty, advancing equality, and empowering individuals and communities. Despite global progress, millions of adults remain unable to read or write, and women make up two-thirds of this group. Many children still lack access to education or drop out before achieving basic literacy. International Literacy Day serves as both a celebration of progress and a reminder of the urgent need for action, especially in regions where literacy gaps remain tied to poverty and gender inequality.

National Days for Book Lovers

National Ampersand Day was founded in 2015 by designer Chaz DeSimone, creator of AmperArt.com, which highlights the beauty and creativity of the “&” symbol. The ampersand traces back to Roman times as a ligature of the Latin word et (“and”). It has since become one of the most enduring and playful marks in written language. The day celebrates its elegance, adaptability, and cultural presence, reminding us of the artistry even in everyday symbols.

National Boss/Employee Exchange Day* (First Monday after Labor Day) was founded by Anne C. Moeller of Clio, Michigan, as a creative way to encourage empathy and understanding in the workplace. On this day, bosses and employees swap roles to gain insight into each other’s responsibilities. The observance promotes collaboration, strengthens communication, and highlights leadership potential among employees, while also reminding managers of the daily challenges faced by their staff.

National Dog Walker Appreciation Day, created in 2016 by the pet care company Wag!, recognizes the importance of professional dog walkers in modern urban life. Beyond providing daily exercise, dog walkers offer companionship, mental stimulation, and socialization for pets whose owners may be at work or otherwise busy. The profession, first gaining visibility in the 1960s with pioneers like Jim Buck in New York City, is now an essential service for many families. The day celebrates these caretakers as trusted members of the extended family, ensuring pets live healthier and happier lives.

🐕 Discover more similar observances in our complete list of dog holidays.

National Iguana Awareness Day promotes knowledge about these remarkable reptiles, both as exotic pets and as wild species. Celebrated since the late 1990s, the day educates owners about the challenges of caring for iguanas, which can grow up to six feet long and require controlled habitats and plant-based diets. Native to Central and South America, iguanas are herbivorous lizards admired for their vibrant colors and prehistoric appearance. The observance also highlights ecological concerns, especially in regions like Florida, where non-native iguana populations impact local ecosystems.

National Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses Day, founded in 2010 by the Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses (APHON), honors nurses who care for children and young adults facing cancer and blood disorders. Their work extends beyond clinical treatment to include emotional support, education, and advocacy for families during some of the most challenging times of their lives. Observed each September during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the day recognizes the resilience, expertise, and compassion of these specialized professionals.

Pardon Day recalls the historic decision on September 8, 1974, when U.S. President Gerald Ford pardoned former President Richard Nixon for any crimes he may have committed during the Watergate scandal. Ford’s intent was to help the country move forward, but the decision sparked controversy over accountability and executive authority. Over time, the day has grown into a broader reminder of the power of forgiveness in both public life and personal relationships. It encourages people to let go of resentment, seek reconciliation, and reflect on forgiveness as an act of strength rather than weakness.

Star Trek Day celebrates the premiere of the original Star Trek series on September 8, 1966, when the episode The Man Trap aired on NBC. Created by Gene Roddenberry, the show imagined a future of exploration, diversity, and unity, breaking ground with inclusive casting and visionary storytelling. Though the series ran only three seasons, it gained a devoted fan base that led to movies, spinoffs, and global cultural impact. Paramount+ officially launched Star Trek Day in 2020, expanding fan celebrations with live-streams, cast reunions, and special events. Today, the observance honors the franchise’s legacy of hope, creativity, and progressive ideals.

World Physical Therapy Day, established in 1996 by the World Confederation for Physical Therapy (now World Physiotherapy), is celebrated annually on September 8 to mark the date the organization was founded in 1951. The day emphasizes the essential role physical therapists play in improving health, mobility, and quality of life worldwide. Past themes have included chronic pain management, healthy aging, and mental health, underscoring the wide-ranging contributions of physiotherapy. It is also a day for global solidarity within the profession and an opportunity to highlight how physical therapy can empower individuals to live healthier, more active lives.