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Grandparents Day is
always celebrated on the
first Sunday after
Labor Day. As its
name suggests,
Grandparents Day honors
the nation's
grandparents, who play
an important role in the
lives of many young
people and their
families.
The history of
Grandparents Day can be
traced back to 1961 with
the efforts of Mrs.
Hermine Beckett Hanna.
Hermine made it her goal
to educate the young in
the community to the
important contributions
senior citizens have
made, and to the
important contributions
they are willing to make
if asked. She also urged
the young to adopt a
grandparent, not for 1
day a year, not for
material giving, but for
a lifetime of experience
and caring just waiting
to be shared with
others.
Marian McQuade of Oak
Hill, W.V. is credited
with lobbying for a
national observance of
Grandparents Day. Her
goal was realized in
1979 when President
Jimmy Carter signed
Public Law 96-62
designating the first
Sunday after
Labor Day as
National Grandparents
Day. The statute cites
the day's purpose as:
"... to honor
grandparents, to give
grandparents an
opportunity to show love
for their children's
children, and to help
children become aware of
strength, information,
and guidance older
people can offer."
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