National Dogs in Politics Day (Checkers Day)

Every year, September 23 is designated National Dogs in Politics Day, which is also known as Checkers Day. It is the anniversary of a famous speech given by Richard Nixon that introduced America to Nixon's family dog, Checkers. On Sept. 23, 1952, Republican vice-presidential candidate Richard M. Nixon went on television to deliver what came to be known as the “Checkers'” speech as he denied allegations of improper campaign financing. Denying charges that he had accepted money from a secret political slush fund, Nixon gave a televised address insisting that the only gift he'd accepted was the family dog, Checkers. The speech would forever be known as Nixon's "Checkers Speech."