Sep 07 2008
A Celebration of Grandparents Day
Today, September 7, is proclaimed National Grandparents Day in the U.S. It is always the Sunday after Labor Day. A West Virginia woman, Marian McQuade formulated the idea of a day that grandparents would be formally appreciated and celebrated for their existence by loved ones. Ms. McQuade and her husband send out information to any who request information about Grandparents Day, at their own expense. Now 76, Ms. McQuade had 15 children who went on to produce 40 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren for her.
Grandparents Day was proclaimed by President Jimmy Carter during his administration in 1978. To some, the date was produced as a “Hallmark” advertisement. They believed it to be another day florists and card manufacturers and shops came up with to get the population to purchase their products. Hallmark actually designed specific cards for the holiday offering Ms. McQuade royalties from sold cards. She, of course, refused the offer as profit had no part in her sentiments.
Grandparents should be encouraged to celebrate in a way that allows grandparents to pass on their knowledge and memories, enriching the lives of their grandchildren. Grandchildren should be encouraged to spend time with their grandparents, taking in the special gifts they have to offer. National Grandparents Day is one we all should celebrate.
