April 2 - National Reconciliation Day

Happy National Reconciliation Day! Each year on April 2, this day urges us to repair relationships that have been damaged through words or actions.  

  

While many different “Days of Reconciliation” are held around the world, this specific observance takes place on April 2. 

  

We all know of a relationship where a misunderstanding caused friction. Eventually or suddenly the relationship was destroyed.  

  

Time passes and before long, years pass and not two words have been spoken between the two people. They may be siblings or parent and child. 

Childhood friendships dissolve in an instant over angry words. Friends often immediately regret the cause of the quarrel but don’t know how to start over. 

  

Over time, feelings of resentment, bitterness, and anger cause more than the loss of friendship. These feelings add to health problems and also infect other relationships in our lives.  

The act of reconciliation requires some giving to achieve a peaceful balance. Someone must make the first move to break down the barriers that have been built. And while forgiveness may be a part of the conversation, it isn’t necessarily a requirement. 

HOW TO OBSERVE 

This day is designed to patch up relationships. Misunderstandings, unintended words or actions and simply an unforgiven mistake can tear apart relationships.  

This day also encourages us to take that step and make amends. It’s not too late. Reach out to that friend or loved one and make a fresh start. Use #ReconciliationDay to post on social media. 

HISTORY 

The research by National Day Calendar® has found several references to National Reconciliation Day throughout the year.  

However, credit is given to American newspaper columnist Esther Pauline "Eppie" Lederer (better known by the pen name Ann Landers).  

In 1989, in response to one of her reader’s letters, Landers began annually promoting April 2 as National Reconciliation Day. She encouraged her readers to repair their broken relationships and dedicated each April 2nd column to letters concerning just such relationships. 

Landers eventually a nationwide media celebrity. She began writing the "Ask Ann Landers" column in 1955 and continued for forty-seven years, by which time its readership was ninety million people! 

Is there someone that you need to reconcile with? If so, how can you do this? 

#ReconciliationDay 

@TheRealAnnLanders 

@nichecinema