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Today is…

National Grandparents Day

National Grandparents Day is a day to honor grandparents, to give grandparents the opportunity to build relationships with their grandchildren, and to help children to become aware of the great value in learning from older people. Marian McQuade is recognized as the founder of National Grandparents Day. She worked to have her state, West Virginia, recognize the day, and also worked to get it recognized on the national level. After McQuade’s urging, West Virginia governor, Arch Moore, proclaimed the holiday in his state in 1973, the first state to do so. West Virginia Senator Jennings Randolph introduced a resolution in the senate to make it an official national day, but it was not successful. McQuade continued to raise awareness, organized supporters, and contacted legislators in all fifty states. Because of her work, within three years forty-three states had proclaimed a Grandparent’s Day. Senator Jennings Randolph once again introduced a resolution for National Grandparents Day, and this time it passed. It called for the president to issue a proclamation, and on August 3, 1978, Jimmy Carter did.

How to Observe

National Grandparents Day is about promoting intergenerational relationships. If your grandparents are still living, the day is best celebrated with them. If you are a grandparent, the day is best celebrated by spending the day with your grandchildren. If you are a parent of young children and your parents are still living, it’s a great day to help set up something fun for your parents to do with your children! If you can’t be with your loved one on this day, take some time to call them or write them a handwritten letter!