Grandparents Day
Grandparents Day is celebrated on the first Sunday after Labor Day in the United States, which typically falls in early September. The day was established to honor grandparents and recognize their important role in the lives of families. It is a time to show appreciation for the wisdom, love, and guidance that grandparents provide.
The history of Grandparents Day centers around the efforts of Marian McQuade, a West Virginia homemaker who passionately advocated for the recognition of grandparents. McQuade, who had 15 children and 43 grandchildren, wanted to emphasize the importance of family and intergenerational bonds. She envisioned a day not only to honor grandparents but also to promote a connection between older and younger generations.
Marian McQuade’s Role
In the early 1970s, McQuade began campaigning for a day to honor grandparents. She was particularly focused on raising awareness of the contributions of older people to society and encouraging families to visit and care for elderly relatives, especially those in nursing homes. McQuade’s efforts caught the attention of political leaders in her state, and in 1973, West Virginia became the first state to officially recognize Grandparents Day.
National Recognition
Marian McQuade’s advocacy eventually reached the national level. In 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed a proclamation designating the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day in the United States. The proclamation emphasized the wisdom and guidance that older generations can pass on to younger ones, promoting appreciation for the enduring value of grandparents.
International Observances
Many countries have since adopted their own versions of Grandparents Day, although the dates and customs vary. For example:
Canada observes Grandparents Day on the second Sunday of September.
Australia celebrates it on the last Sunday in October.
France holds separate celebrations for grandmothers and grandfathers.
Grandparents Day continues to be a day of reflection on the influence of elders within the family, fostering respect and togetherness across generations.
