National Checkers Day – September 23, 2022, history significance why we celebrate
National Checkers Day is on September 23, also known as “Dogs in Politics Day,” and commemorates political canines or candidate pooches, First Fidos, or Revolution Rovers. Checkers Day has nothing to do with the popular board game; rather, it celebrates Richard M. Nixon’s famous ‘checkers’ speech on this very date in 1952.
History of National Checkers Day
There is no proper mention about in which year this National Checkers Day was first observed. However, the commemoration of this day memorializes the speech by the Republican Vice President candidate of the United States, California Senator Richard Nixon. The famous speech is called as Checkers Speech which Nixon had delivered.
Nixon had been accused of holding improprieties relating to a fund that was established by his followers to reimburse him for his political expenses. He flew to Los Angeles since his status on the Republican ballot was held in doubt. He defended himself while delivering a half-hour television address. Furthermore,
he had attacked his opponents and urged the audience to contact the Republican National Committee (RNC) to tell it whether he should continue on the ballot. During the speech, he stated that regardless of what anyone said, he had intended to keep one gift.
It was a black-and-white dog named Checkers by the Nixon children, and thus his address has got the famous name called the Checkers Speech. The address of Nixon was aired live all around the country and was watched by an approximated 60 million people. The Checkers speech was a mark in the political success, and the public had responded with overwhelming support.
NATIONAL CHECKERS DAY TIMELINE
1789
The First Dog of the United States
George and Martha Washington own many dogs, including American Foxhounds, Black and Tan Coonhounds, and a Greyhound.
1944
You Can’t Criticize my Little Dog
After being criticized and accused of spending thousands of government money to rescue his dog, Roosevelt stated in a speech, “you may criticize me, my wife, and my family, but you can’t condemn my little dog.”
1952
The Checkers Speech
Richard Nixon delivers the historic speech that sparks National Checkers Day, to the American people.
1998
First Pets Featured in a Book
“Dear Socks, Dear Buddy: Kids’ Letters to the First Pets” is a children’s book authored by Hillary Rodham Clinton, the First Lady of the United States.
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How to Celebrate the National Checkers Day
The best way to celebrate National Checkers Day is to indulge yourself in knowing about the life of Nixon and his political career. Know how important politics play in the world on this day. Let your family members be aware of how the election is conducted in other countries. Post and share your National Checkers Day celebration on social media using the hashtag #NationalCheckersDay.
5 COOL FACTS ABOUT THE FIRST DOGS IN THE WHITE HOUSE
George Washington created a breed
According to the American Kennel Club, our first president was an enthusiastic fox hunter who desired a superior dog that was fast, clever, and had a great sense of smell, so he crossed his Black and Tan Coonhounds with French Hounds to produce the American Foxhound.
The notorious Pete
According to the Presidential Pet Museum, Roosevelt loved his pet, characterizing him as “ridiculously devoted,” and frequently made excuses for Pete’s conduct.
The Roosevelt dog-lovers
Teddy Roosevelt wasn’t the only Roosevelt with a soft spot for puppies, Franklin D. Roosevelt owned eight dogs while serving as president!
Gentleman Rob Roy
According to WhiteHouseHistory.org, Rob Roy, popularly named after a popular cocktail during prohibitions, was the first dog to be a part of an official First Family photo portrait and accompanied First Lady Grace Goodhue Coolidge in her official White House photo.
Beloved Millie
Millie, an English Springer Spaniel owned by Barbara and George H. W. Bush has been dubbed “the most famous White House dog in history.”
WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL CHECKERS DAY
Dogs are patriotic
Dogs have had an important role in molding American history and politics, particularly during wartime. Dogs have played an important role in almost every battle in which America has been involved.
They teach us to be more human
Dogs are kind, caring, and sympathetic; they forgive and never carry grudges. A dog is always present in the moment, no matter what they are doing. If you observe your dog throughout the day, you will see that he is a better person than most humans.
Presidents are just like regular people
Every dog at the White House receives a lot of attention, much like their owners and other celebrities. The presence of a dog helps the First Family and “the most powerful person in the world” appear more normal, accessible, and sympathetic.
