With the endless bickering about the national debt ceiling out of the way, the US government finally came together in bi-partisan, unanimous agreement to designate Oct 8, 2011 as National Chess Day (senate resolution 255).

Natch, National Chess Day was already designated by President Ford in 1976 … on October 9. While its celebration fell into some disregard after its official designation, the day has been gradually regaining regard over the past few years, always on October 9. Last year, the senate also passed a resolution (672) designating Oct 9 as National Chess Day.

(source)