Grandparent's Day is celebrated the first
Sunday after Labor Day.
Grandparents Day is a family day.
Schools, churches, and senior organizations honor grandparents with
special events and gifts. Some families enjoy small, private gatherings.
Others celebrate by holding a family reunion. Board games which are
easily played by young and old add enjoyment to family gatherings,
enhancing "intergenerational interaction". Show your Grandparents
how much you care with a gift from
Gifts Of Quality!
The origins of
Grandparents Day begin with the work of Marian McQuade. Mrs.
McQuade worked on behalf of the elderly, particularly those in
nursing homes. She was concerned about the loneliness that
many residents of the nursing homes faced. She also felt that
grandchildren were not sharing in the wisdom and heritage that
grandparents could offer. So she began her campaign in 1970 to
set aside a special day for grandparents.
The first Grandparents Day was celebrated in
West Virginia in 1973. In 1978 the US Congress passed
legislation proclaiming a National Grandparents Day. The month
of September was chosen to signify the "autumn years" of life.
That same year President Jimmy Carter officially proclaimed
the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day.
Hallmark Cards requested permission from Mrs. McQuade
to publish greeting cards for the holiday. Mrs. McQuade agreed
to the request but declined to accept any royalties, saying
she did not want to make any money on the holiday.
Mrs. McQuade's efforts also helped persuade President
Richard Nixon to proclaim a National Shut-in Day in 1972.
Now you know a little more about
Grandparent's Day!
