Grandparents Day is a family day. Schools, churches, and senior organizations honor grandparents with special events and programs. Grandchildren love to give gifts and cards on this day to their grandparents showing them how much they love them.

Back in 1970 Marian Lucille Herndon McQuade, a housewife living in West Virginia had a soft spot for the elderly people. She felt there should be a special day just for grandparents for them to be honored. She felt they still had a lot to offer in our society so she initiated a campaign to declare a special day just for Grandparents. A state wide campaign took place through the concerted efforts from business, church and political leaders. It was a tough fight so McQuade and her team turned to the media to garner support. They contacted governors, senators and congressmen in every state. They sent letters to churches, businesses and numerous national organizations interested in senior citizens.

In 1978 the United State Congress passed legislation proclaiming the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day. The proclamation was signed by President Jimmy Carter. September was chosen for the holiday to signify the “autumn years” of life. So because of persistence and the love of the elderly we now have Grandparents Day.

The purpose of this day is to honor grandparents, give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children’s children and to help children become aware of the strength, information and guidance older people can offer.

Happy Grandparents Day!