The History of National Grandparent's Day
Purpose
In 1973, West Virginia began a statewide campaign to set aside a special day just for grandparents. The first Grandparents Day was set by Governor Arch Moore.
Through concerted efforts on the part of individuals interested in preserving their heritage, this campaign was headed by Marian McQuade of Fayette County, mother of fifteen children.
Senator Jennings Randolph (D-WV) was especially instrumental in this project. In 1973, Senator Randolph introduced a resolution in the United States Senate and in 1978, five years after its inception, Congress passed legislation proclaiming the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day.
September was the month chosen, signifying the "autumn years" of life, and today this event, begun by only a few, is observed by thousands throughout the United States.
For a complete history of the holiday, please visit The National Grandparent's Day Home Page
Proper observance of Grandparents Day is very important. Some families enjoy small, private gatherings, but for those who entertain larger groups, it can be fun to have a story-telling time, allowing grandparents to relate stories of their past, enlightening children as to how it was to grow up "back in the old days." Ice cream socials, picnics and lunch box socials have also proven successful.
A very significant part of such reunions should include an update of family albums and pictures. Names and dates should be put on old photos and many grandparents and grandchildren have begun family scrapbooks which live on, carrying many memories.
It is interesting to take a census, such as oldest and newest grandchild, family with the most grandchildren, or five generation families.
Along with Grandparents Day, we should not forget shut-ins and those in nursing homes who are unable to be with their families or have no families. Every effort must be made to include these people in the mainstream through cards, community projects and visitation at times other than just holidays.
For those not fortunate enough to have either grandparents or grandchildren, the need is increasing every day to fill these voids. There are many lonely people who would love the opportunity to be a Foster Grandparent ;and for children it's not such a bad idea to adopt a grandparent.
For more information on how you can help, visit Forget-Me-Not, Honoring America's Grandparents.
As Grandparents Day approaches, help Children to identify and date all photos in old family albums, while they have someone to ask. Many happy memories can be derived from this in years ahead.
Everyone is a grandchild and can be involved in the observance of this day - a time to discover one's roots and leam patience and understanding for the elderly.
This is also a perfect time to establish a communication that will never be broken. Many times only grandparents have knowledge or answers to questions about family histories. When this information is passed down to the grandchildren, everyone can be assured of his heritage being preserved;a valuable and necessary asset in a day and age when close-knit families are becoming a thing of the past.
Special talents, such as cooking, sculpting or quilting should be passed on to those who display an interest.
Old family music, songs and dances, along with meanings and origins, are important in maintaining a strong sense of family background.
Stress the importance of keeping a family tree, and strive to preserve particular ethnic or religious beliefs. Each child and grandchild needs to know the ancestral line of his parents.
You will find more Grandparent's Day Activity Ideas here.
But most important, this day should be a spirit that lives throughout the year--a spirit we carry inside ourselves.
Page updated on August 29, 2000