Checkers Day and Dogs in Politics Day
When is Checkers Day and Dogs in Politics Day? This holiday is always celebrated on September 23
Get out the Checkerboard. Today is Checkers Day. So, do you want the red checkers? Or, the black ones? It may surprise you to know that it is also Dogs in Politics Day. These two days are one and the same. Read on, and we will explain the connection.
This day is all about a beloved dog named Checkers who stole the political spotlight for a short period of time. Most U.S. presidents had dogs while they served in office. However, only Andrew Johnson, James K. Polk, and Donald Trump did not have a presidential dog.
How to Celebrate Checkers Day and Dogs in Politics Day
Here are just a few ways you and your dog can celebrate Checkers Day:
- Get a scarf or shirt for your dog that has a political statement or affiliation on it. Then, grab a leash and walk your dog around the neighborhood.
- Adopt a dog.
- Here’s the best suggestion of all… Simply enjoy the day with your dog and don’t make any mention of politics. Now, isn’t that novel!?
- Research the internet to find out what other presidents had dog as pets while in office.
Today's Quote
“Courage is knowing what not to fear.” – – Plato
About Checkers Day and Dogs in Politics Day
In 1952, Richard M. Nixon was a candidate for Vice-President of the United States, running with Dwight D. Eisenhower. Media speculation centered around an $18,000 campaign contribution, and speculation that Nixon may have used some for his personal use. In a brilliant political maneuver, Nixon took his case to the American people.
So, on September 23, 1952, Richard Nixon gave a speech that directly addressed and explained the issue. During the speech, he assured the public that he did not use any of the funds for personal use. Towards the end of the speech, he stated that his daughters had received a dog, which they named “Checkers”, as a gift. He said they would keep the dog.
This speech quickly became known as the “Checkers” speech, and went on to be one of the better speeches in American political history.
With “Checkers” the dog included in the speech, this day was sometimes referred to as Dogs in Politics Day.
How to Celebrate Checkers Day
Here are some non-political ways to participate and in and enjoy this canine holiday:
- First, spend some quality time with your own dog.
- If you don’t have a dog, then adopt one from an animal shelter and name it “Checkers”.
- Contribute to an animal rescue organization in memory of President Nixon’s dog.
- Lastly, take pictures of our dog and share them on social media.
History and Origin of Checkers Day
The origin of Dogs in Politics Day is clear. It evolved from Richard Nixon’s “Checkers” speech in 1952. Yet, the origin of this holiday and who originally created it is unknown. We suspect that this holiday evolved almost immediately after the speech. Perhaps it came from a media journalist.
Our research clearly found that this holiday did not have the word “National” in the title. However, in the past several years, some internet websites added the word “National” to the title.
We did not find any documentation confirming this to be a “National” day. We found no congressional records or presidential proclamation.
Definition of “National” Days – and why it is so important to distinguish and identify true national days.
This Day in History
In addition to Checkers Day, here are some things that happened on this day:
- The planet Neptune is first discovered by German astronomer Johann Gottfried Galle. (1846)
- “The Jetsons” premieres on television. (1962)
- Jason Alexander, actor played George on “Seinfeld” was born on this day in 1959.
Related Holidays
People who like Checkers Day will also like:
More September 23 Holidays
In addition to Checkers Day, here is another September 23 holiday for you to celebrate and enjoy:
More About Today
Recipe of the Day: Pumpkin Banana Pancakes
Also See: Fall Recipes and Holiday Recipes
Flower of the Day: Chrysanthemums
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Did You Know? In addition to Checkers Day, or Dogs in Politics Day, there are literally thousands of daily holidays, special events, and observances, more than one for every day of the year. Many of these holidays are new. People and organizations are creating new holidays on a regular basis. September holidays are no exception. At Holiday Insights, we take great efforts to thoroughly research and document the details of each one, as completely and accurately as possible.