National Checkers Day 2023:The 23rd of September is National Checkers Day, also known as “Dogs in Politics Day,” which honors political canines or candidate puppies, First Fidos, and Revolution Rovers. Checkers Day has nothing to do with the popular board game; it honors Richard M. Nixon’s ‘checkers’ speech from 1952.
The history behind National Checkers Day
On September 23, 1952, Vice Presidential candidate Richard Nixon delivered his “Checkers Speech.” Nixon was compelled to defend himself after being accused of improper conduct involving a campaign fund established by his supporters. Also in jeopardy was his position on the Republican ticket, which prompted him to travel to Los Angeles and deliver a thirty-minute television address.
Nixon emphasized during his speech that he intended to retain one gift regardless of what others believed. The gift was a black-and-white dog christened “Checkers” by the Nixon children, whose name inspired the title of the famous speech.
The “Checkers Speech” was viewed or heard by approximately 60 million Americans, the largest television audience at the time, and it inspired a public outpouring of support. Throughout history, virtually every president has kept a dog in the White House. It’s not remarkable, given Americans’ love of dogs and the fact that dogs can calm almost any crisis — a requirement for the most powerful position in the world.
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5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE FIRST WHITE HOUSE DOGS
- According to the American Kennel Club, our first president was an ardent fox hunter who desired a superior dog with speed, intelligence, and an acute sense of smell; as a result, he bred his Black and Tan Coonhounds with French Hounds to create the American Foxhound.
- According to the Presidential Pet Museum, Roosevelt idolized his pet, described him as “ridiculously devoted,” and frequently excused Pete’s behavior.
- Theodore Roosevelt owned eight canines during his presidency. Not only Teddy Roosevelt had a fondness for pups.
- Rob Roy, whose name was derived from a popular cocktail during the Prohibition, was the first dog to be included in an official First Family portrait and accompanied First Lady Grace Goodhue Coolidge in her official White House portrait, according to WhiteHouseHistory.org.
- Millie, the English Springer Spaniel belonging to Barbara and George H. W. Bush, has been called “the most famous White House dog in history.”
NATIONAL CHECKERS DAY DATES
| YEAR | DATE | DAY |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | September 23 | Saturday |
| 2024 | September 23 | Monday |
| 2025 | September 23 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | September 23 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | September 23 | Thursday |
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