Welcome to our series sharing Unique Holidays: September 23, 2022. Did you know today is Checkers Day/ Dogs In Politics Day which is a Holiday I never heard of. Have you heard of it before and if so how do you celebrate Checkers Day/ Dogs in Politics Day?
Checkers Day / Dogs in Politics Day
Checkers Day and Dogs in Politics Day is always observed on September 23
Get out the Checkerboard because today is Checkers Day. I have a question for you this morning. Do you want the red checkers? Or, the black ones? Today may surprise you to know that it is also Dogs in Politics Day. These two holidays are one and the same. Read on, and we will explain the connection.
Checkers Day and Dogs in Politics Day is all about a beloved dog named Checkers who stole the political spotlight for a short period of time.
History and Origin of Checkers Day and Dogs in Politics Day
In 1952, Richard M. Nixon was a candidate for Vice-President of the United States. Richard M. Nixon running with Dwight D. Eisenhower. Media speculation centered around an $18,000 campaign contribution, and speculation that Nixon may have used some of the funds for his personal use. In a brilliant political maneuver, Nixon took his case to the American people.
On September 23rd, 1952, Richard Nixon gave a speech that directly addressed and explained the issue when Richard Nixon 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. Richard Nixon 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 holiday was sometimes referred to as Dogs in Politics Day.
Native American Day – the fourth Friday of the month
Native American Day is set aside to honor and celebrate Native Americans, the first Americans to live in the U.S. Still commonly referred to as American Indians, the term “Native Americans” has been used in recent years as a sign of respect and recognition that Native Americans were indeed the first indigenous people to populate our great and wonderful nation.
By the time the first explorers and settlers arrived from Europe, Native Americans had populated the entire North American continent, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and from the Gulf of Mexico all the way to the Northern reaches of Canada.
We encourage you to spend this holiday, learning about Native Americans, the true original settlers in America.
History and Origin of Native American Day
Native American Day dates back to 1939. California Governor Culbert Olsen dedicated this holiday as American Indian Day. The state of Nevada soon followed suit. Over the years, the name and the date was changed.
In 1968, then Governor Ronald Reagan made a resolution which was passed in the State Assembly declaring the fourth Friday in September as Native American Day. Nevada also made this an official holiday. Over the years, the popularity of this holiday grew and became popular across the Country..
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Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
