Who lets you get away with anything? Eat whatever you want? Do whatever you want? Believes you are the most perfect person and loves you unconditionally? Your grandparents!This is the day to honor those wonderful folks. Every September on the Sunday following Labor Day Americans observe National Grandparents Day. This day was designed to honor our elders, our family heritage and our own family history.
The campaign to create this special day began in the 1970s by a West Virginian homemaker named Marian Lucille Herndon McQuade. After joined efforts by businesses, churches and political leaders the first Grandparents Day was proclaimed in West Virginia in 1973. That same year, West Virginia Senator Jennings Randolph introduced a Grandparents Day resolution to the U.S. Senate. However, once in the Senate the resolution dwindled in committee. Seeing this Mrs. McQuade and her troupe rallied support in the media and began contacting governors, senators and congressional representatives in every state as well as organizations for senior citizens. Then in 1978, Congress passed legislation proclaiming a National Grandparents Day and that it would be held on the Sunday following Labor Day. President Jimmy Carter then signed the proclamation. September was chosen for the holiday, to signify the "autumn years" of life.
The forget-me-not is official flower for Grandparents Day.
About the Founder
A native of Fayette County, Marian McQuade and her husband Joe are the parents of 15 children. They have 40 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She has served in numerous positions, including serving as a delegate to the White House Conference on Aging. In 1972, her efforts helped persuade President Richard Nixon to proclaim a National Shut-in Day. Mrs. McQuade has dedicated her life to advocating senior citizens.
More information
Design Ideas
