Celebrate Checkers Day! Surprisingly, Checkers Day (also known as Dogs in Politics Day) is not named for the classic game.

On September 23, 1952, vice presidential candidate Richard Nixon gave a speech to address growing public concern about his use of campaign funds. He assured the public that he had not misused the funds, but that he intended to keep one gift—a little dog that the Nixon children named Checkers. The “Checkers speech” was a political triumph and the public responded with overwhelming support.

In honor of this day, challenge a friend to a game of checkers!