Happy Grandparents Day

What is the history of Grandparents' Day?

The idea of celebrating this day has been discussed for a long time and dates back to the 1960s. In the next decade, the efforts began to increase as, in 1973, Senator Jennings Randolph proposed a resolution in the senate to make Grandparents' Day a national holiday. In 1978, President Jimmy Carter was the one who signed the declaration that the first Sunday after Labor Day would be observed as Grandparents' Day.

The US's first official National Grandparents' Day was celebrated on September 10, 1978.

Marian McQuade from West Virginia, US, started the early campaigning for this day. She wanted to have a congregation of elderly members of the community so that they could observe a day dedicated to them only as many elderly residents were living in nursing homes at that time, so as today.

She wanted to have a congregation of elderly members of the community so that they could observe a day dedicated to them only as many elderly residents were living in nursing homes at that time, so as today.

What is the significance of Grandparents' Day?

The relationship between grandparents and grandchildren is lovely and memorable. They are the ones who become our best friends, right from bedtime stories to keeping love secrets and protecting us from our parents' reprimands, irrespective of our faults. People in various parts of the world, especially in the US on this day, see this as a grave opportunity to thank and show respect to their grandparents for their relentless love and care.

The day not only recognizes their contribution to our lives but also creates social awareness amongst the younger generations across the world. It is also a lesson for the children and grandchildren that if you show respect to your grandparents, the same love, care, and respect will be returned to you when you become old.

What is typically done on Grandparents' Day?

The day is about spending quality time with grandparents, exchanging gifts, and honoring family traditions. Overall, it's the day to involve in meaningful activities.

Is the date for observing Grandparents' Day different internationally?

Yes, it's different in various countries. However, at the international level, Pope Francis in 2021 declared that the World Day for Grandparents should be observed on the fourth Sunday of July.

From The American Presidency Project, Proclamation 4580—National Grandparents Day, 1978:

“Each American family is similarly shaped and guided by its forebears. Just as a nation learns and is strengthened by its history, so a family learns and is strengthened by its understanding of preceding generations. As Americans live longer, more and more families are enriched by their shared experiences with grandparents and great-grandparents.

“The elders of each family have the responsibility for setting the moral tone for the family and for passing on the traditional values of our nation to their children and grandchildren. They bore the hardships and made the sacrifices that produced much of the progress and comfort we enjoy today. It is appropriate, therefore, that as individuals and as a nation, that we salute our grandparents for their contribution to our lives.”