Birthdays For September 23rd + Checkers Day

If this is your birthday, congratulations! You share this date with, Ray Charles, born in Albany, Georgia, in 1930. Best known for his work in jazz and rhythm & blues, he brings attention to country music with his album "Modern Sounds In Country And Western Music" and records "Seven Spanish Angels" with Willie Nelson. This Is Checkers Day!

No not, the game!

But, the DOG!

In 1952, Richard M. Nixon was a candidate for Vice-President of the United States. Media speculation centered around an $18,000 campaign contribution, and speculation that Nixon may have used some for his personal use.  In a brilliant political maneuver, Nixon took his case to the American people.

On September 23, 1952, Richard Nixon gave a speech that directly addressed and explained the issue. He 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. He 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 day was sometimes referred to as Dogs in Politics Day.

Now Let's P-A-R-T-Y!  

Concho Valley birthdays include:  

Janelle Shockley, 80. From all her clogging buddies.

Ernest Aguirre, 65. From his Aunts and Cousins.

Brittany Wheeler, 18. From Mom. Brittany wins her choice of desserts today, from Papa Murphys.  

No anniversaries to report.