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Grandparents Day
Who lets you
get away with anything, eat whatever you want, do whatever you want,
believes you are the most perfect person and loves you
unconditionally? Your grandparents! This is the day to honor those
wonderful folks. This day was designed to honor our elders, our
family heritage, and our own family history.
The campaign to create this special day began in the 1970s by West
Virginian homemaker, Marian Lucille Herndon McQuade. After joined
efforts by businesses, churches, and political leaders the first
Grandparents Day was proclaimed in West Virginia in 1973. That same
year, West Virginia Senator Jennings Randolph introduced a Grandparents
Day resolution to the U.S. Senate. However, once in the Senate the
resolution dwindled in committee. Seeing this Mrs. McQuade and her
troops rallied support in the media and began contacting governors,
senators, and congressional representatives in every state as well as
senior citizen organizations.
In 1978, Congress passed legislation proclaiming a National
Grandparents Day and that it would be held on the Sunday following
Labor Day. President Jimmy Carter signed the
proclamation. September was chosen for the holiday, to signify the
"autumn years" of life.
The
forget-me-not is official flower for Grandparents Day.
About the
Founder
A native of Fayette County, Marian McQuade and her husband Joe
are the parents of 15 children. They have 40 grandchildren and eight
great-grandchildren. She has served in numerous positions, including serving as
a delegate to the White House Conference on Aging. In 1972, her efforts helped
persuade President Richard Nixon to proclaim a National Shut-in Day. Mrs.
McQuade has dedicated her life to advocating for senior citizens.
by W.Holidays
modified April 28, 2008
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