If you’ve spent any time on our blog at all, you are certainly aware that Grandparents Day is coming soon–September 9 to be exact. But what else do you know about Grandparents Day? Here are some interesting tidbits surrounding this still-somewhat-obscure holiday.
Most people attribute the concept of Grandparents Day to Marian Lucille Herndon McQuade. Marian was a West Virginia mother of 15 who gathered enough support for a unique day that would pay tribute to grandparents that in 1973 the mayor of West Virginia made a proclamation for Grandparents Day.
Five years later, President Jimmy Carter issued a federal proclamation for this special day to be celebrated the first Sunday after Labor Day.
Over time, Marian’s descendants established the National Grandparents Day Council. According to this nonprofit organization, their mission and goals are as follows:
The purpose of the Council is to enlarge and enhance
the celebration of National Grandparents Day by
cultivating intergenerational activities throughout the year.
Our goals are to honor grandparents and to strengthen
the bond between grandparents and grandchildren.
Additionally, we strive to draw compassionate attention
to the eldest of society’s elderly–those in nursing homes.
(see http://www.grandparents-day.com/aboutus.htm)
And, something else you may not know…Grandparents Day has its own song! “A Song for Grandma and Grandpa” by Johnny Prill was written just for this special day. Not even Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or Thanksgiving have their own song!
For more information on the history of Grandparents Day, go to Grandparents-Day.com. And, for some great ideas for Grandparents Day activities and crafts, check out Grandparents.com.
And, of course, for the perfect Grandparents Day gift, look no further than Grandparenting Through Obstacles: Overcoming Family Challenges to Reach Your Grandchildren for Christ!
Grandparenting through Obstacles 