National Grandparents Day is observed on the first Sunday following Labour Day. This year, September 10 is the date. Similar to Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, we also dedicate an entire day to our elders. The special relationship between grandparents and grandchildren has been shown to extend the grandparents’ lives and make children more emotionally resilient. Grandparents Day is an opportunity to cherish this bond and spend quality time with the family.
The background of Grandparents Day
In 1969, nine-year-old Russell Capper wrote a letter to President Nixon proposing a day to honour grandparents. On June 12, 1969, he received a letter from Rose Mary Woods, the President’s personal secretary, which read, “Dear Russell, We appreciate the letter you sent to President Nixon. Your suggestion for a Grandparent’s Day is appreciated, but the President typically issues proclamations designating special observances only when authorised by a Congressional resolution. With warmest regards, Sincere regards, Rose Mary Woods is the President’s personal secretary.”
Following this letter, the U.S. Senate and President Jimmy Carter recognised Marian McQuade as the progenitor of National Grandparents Day. McQuade desired to enlighten the youth on the significance of the elderly and their contributions throughout history. She implored the youth to “adopt” a grandparent and learn more about their lives, struggles, and future aspirations.
Senator Randolph, with the assistance of other senators, introduced a joint resolution to the senate in 1977, requesting that the president “issue annually a proclamation designating the first Sunday in September following Labour Day as ‘National Grandparents’ Day’.” The legislation passed Congress proclaiming the first Sunday following Labour Day as National Grandparents Day. Jimmy Carter signed the proclamation on August 3, 1978, and the day was ultimately observed the following year.
5 FACTS ABOUT NATIONAL GRANDPARENTS DAY YOU DIDN’T KNOW
“A Song for Grandma and Grandpa” by Johnny Prill is the official anthem of National Grandparents Day.
The “forget-me-not” flower is the official emblem.
Despite being designated as a national holiday, it is observed more as a commemoration than a public holiday.
People are sending greeting cards to their elders; it is the least we can do.
There are numerous occasions on which you may wish to spend time with your grandparents, but National Grandparents Day was, on average, the day with the most nursing home visits.
GRANDPARENTS DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | September 12 | Sunday |
| 2022 | September 11 | Sunday |
| 2023 | September 10 | Sunday |
| 2024 | September 8 | Sunday |
| 2025 | September 7 | Sunday |
