National Grandparents Day
Everyone must have known about Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, though, not all of us might have ever heard about one more incredible family holiday, which is Grandparents Day. This national holiday is celebrated on the first Sunday of September after Labor Day and its history goes back to the 1970s. Grandparents Day is aimed at raising awareness of indelible contribution our grandparents made to our families, communities and country in a whole.
The history of appearance
Grandparents Day has Virginia roots as its founder was a West Virginia housewife Marian McQuade, who back in 1970 began a campaign, the main purpose of which was to educate the youth about the senior’s contributions and their impact on shaping our personalities and making us who we are. Thanks to endless efforts that Marian McQuade made to push forward the idea of setting aside a day dedicated to honoring our grandparents, Grandparents Day became a national holiday of the USA. In 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed the resolution, introduced by Senators Jennings Randolph and Robert Byrd, declaring National Grandparents Day as a national holiday celebrated on the first Sunday of September after Labor Day. There are official symbols of the holiday too: a song called “A Song for Grandma and Grandpa” recorded by Johnny Prill and “forget-me-not” flowers.
How is Grandparents Day observed?
There are different ways one can choose to observe Grandparents Day: from cards/gifts-giving and phone calls to inviting our grandparents for a dinner or visiting our elderly relatives in nursing homes. No matter what way you choose to pay honor to your grandparents, the idea is to provide them with the maximum attention, care and, what is the most important, LOVE. On this special for each family day, most people explore nature with their grandparents, go on a picnic, do some hobby, watch a movie or simply spend time recalling memories from the past. Very often, grandchildren invite their grannies and grandpas to school concerts, lessons, projects or programs prepared specially for them. There is no better gift than a handmade present or a home baked cake. Remember, any gift made from the bottom of your heart will be highly valued and appreciated by your always loving grandparents.
Although, Grandparents Day is not a public or federal holiday, it is called to be observed in each president’s proclamation to maintain the tradition and show our pride for grandparents celebrating this wonderful, full of love and respect holiday. Happy Grandparents Day!