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The history of the secular holiday of Grandparents Day began in 1978 in the United States. Presently, it is recognized in many countries on different days during the year. Sometimes it is also celebrated as Grandmothers Day and Grandfathers Day, separately.
The founder of Grandparents Day is recognized nationally as Marian McQuade. While educating the youth in her community of Oak Hill, in West Virginia, she
stressed the importance of the contributions of seniors throughout history. As part of her teachings, she urged students to adopt a grandparent for their lifetime, and not just for one single day.
It was Senator Jennings Randolph of West Virginia that resolved to make Grandparents Day a holiday in 1973. The Governor at the time, Arch Moore, proclaimed the annual holiday for the state. But when the resolution was not passed, Marian McQuade was quick to organize supporters of the recognition of the seniors, and she urged each of the fifty states in the union to proclaim their Grandparents Day. Within about three years, forty-three states were onboard proclaiming Grandparents Day for each.
A joint
resolution was introduced in February of 1977 by Senator Randolph. He requested the proclamation of the recognition of the day to be annually, on the first Sunday of September after Labor Day. On August 3, 1978, President Jimmy Carter passed the legislation, and National Grandparents Day was proclaimed.
This statute claimed to honor grandparents, as well as to inform everyone of the strength and guidance they have to offer.
There are others who believe that Hermine Beckett Hanna, who resided in North Syracuse, New York, was instrumental in the establishment of Grandparents Day, and she was recognized by New York Congressman James T. Walsh in 1990 for her
efforts.
There is even a song for the holiday, written by Johnny Prill, called “A Song for Grandma and Grandpa.” It puts into words the relationship that is so unique between grandchildren and their grandparents.
Share
the Grandparents Day
History with your
kids as a bedtime
story.
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