National Grandparent’s Day is a special day dedicated to honoring grandparents, their contributions to families, and the wisdom they pass down through generations. Celebrated annually, it is a time to express gratitude, strengthen family bonds, and appreciate the lasting impact of grandparents in our lives.
Quick Facts
- When is it? The first Sunday after Labor Day.
- Tagged as: Family, Generations, Appreciation.
- What’s the hashtag? #NationalGrandparentsDay
- When was it founded? 1978
- Who founded it? Marian McQuade
History of National Grandparent’s Day
The idea for National Grandparent’s Day originated with Marian McQuade, a West Virginian who wanted to honor the elderly and encourage younger generations to connect with them. Her campaign began in 1970 and gained national recognition when President Jimmy Carter signed it into law in 1978. The day was chosen to fall in September, symbolizing the “autumn” years of life.
The holiday serves three main purposes:
- To honor grandparents.
- To give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their grandchildren.
- To help children appreciate the guidance and wisdom older generations provide.
Timeline
- 1961: Jacob Reingold organizes the first event honoring grandparents in New York.
- 1970: Marian McQuade begins campaigning for a national day for grandparents.
- 1973: West Virginia declares its first Grandparent’s Day.
- 1977: Senator Jennings Randolph introduces a resolution for a national holiday.
- 1978: President Jimmy Carter officially proclaims National Grandparent’s Day.
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | September 07 | Sunday |
| 2026 | September 13 | Sunday |
| 2027 | September 12 | Sunday |
| 2028 | September 10 | Sunday |
| 2029 | September 09 | Sunday |
| 2030 | September 08 | Sunday |
Observed
National Grandparent’s Day is observed with family gatherings, heartfelt gestures, and activities that celebrate the bond between grandparents and grandchildren. Many people spend the day sharing stories, creating memories, or giving small tokens of appreciation like cards or flowers.
Fun Facts About Grandparents
- There are over 70 million grandparents in the U.S., leading one-third of households.
- The forget-me-not is the official flower of Grandparent’s Day.
- Famous personalities like Oprah Winfrey and Maya Angelou were raised by their grandparents.
- Grandparents contribute significantly to charity, making up nearly half of all cash donations in the U.S.
Quiz
- Who is credited with founding National Grandparent’s Day?
- What flower symbolizes this special day?
- In what year did National Grandparent’s Day become an official holiday?
(Answers: Marian McQuade; Forget-me-not; 1978)
FAQs
- Why is it celebrated in September? September represents the “autumn” years of life, symbolizing reflection and legacy.
- Can I celebrate if my grandparents are no longer alive? Yes! Honor their memory by sharing stories or engaging in activities they loved.
- How can I participate without living grandparents? Adopt a grandparent at a local nursing home or spend time with elderly neighbors.
Related
- Mother’s Day
- Father’s Day
- International Day of Older Persons