National Veep Day
Overlooked yet influential, vice presidents shape policy, represent leadership, and balance executive duties effectively within government.
Leverage political nostalgia and civics education to drive engagement around US governance history and political entertainment content.
- 'Veep' marathon watch party: celebrate the satirical take on executive politics
- Historical deep-dive: profile overlooked vice presidents who shaped policy
- Costume contest: dress as your favorite VP and share on social media
- Trivia challenge: test knowledge of US vice presidential succession and history
National Veep Day is celebrated on this day as a nod to the day that US Vice President Gerald R. Ford was made the President of the US when Richard Nixon resigned on August 9, 1974. This day was particularly remarkable because it was the first time in history that a person was sworn into the presidency of the US without ever having been elected into office. This happened because Spiro Agnew, who was elected as the Vice President along with Nixon, had resigned a year prior.
While the structure behind the succession of the president has gone through some changes over the years, the concept that the V.P. is the second in command takes over for the president has been around since 1789 when the office was created. National Veep Day pays heed to this often quiet but very important role.
Host a National VEEP Day Party
History buffs, political fans and others can have fun celebrating National Veep Day with a party! Host a gathering where friends, coworkers and neighbors are invited to join in on the fun by wearing a costume to represent their favorite vice president. Decorations can include the Declaration of Independence, American flags, and famous Veeps. Snacks can be made in red, white and blue, like cupcakes decorated with flags or names of former vice presidents.
Watch Veep
This American political satire comedy stars Julia Louis-Dreyfus and ran on network television from 2012 to 2019. The comedy follows Louis-Dreyfus’ character, Selina Meyer during her years doing the job of the second in command – putting out political fires, dealing with personal issues and also juggling her schedule for public appearances. Enjoy celebrating National Veep Day by catching a few of these episodes just for fun!