
Grandparents Day (September 11) is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the important role that grandparents play in our lives. While we honor our grandparents every day, it’s important to take an extra moment to appreciate all the joy and wisdom they bring, cherish the moments we have with them and to create lifelong memories.
Marian McQuade a housewife in West Virginia was the main driver for the day of observance. In 1970, she launched a campaign in the hopes of creating a national holiday to celebrate grandparents. Throughout the 1970s, McQuade made efforts to raise awareness of the senior community. National Grandparents Day was established by President Jimmy Carter in 1978 for the first Sunday following Labor Day. To continue the celebration, each year the President issues a proclamation to honor Grandparents Day and to call on people, groups, and organization to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
You too can honor your grandparents by doing something special such as giving them a gift or card, spending a day doing their favorite hobbies, hosting a family meal in their honor, extending support to grandparents who serve as caregivers to their grandchildren and other relatives, and if your grandparent is no longer with you spend the day sharing memories of them with your family and friends. No matter what, the best Grandparents Day activity involves you and your grandparents together, celebrating your family and each other. Whether it be your grandparents or an older adult that you have adopted into your life, it is great to take some time on this day to show your appreciation and spread some love.