National Grandparents day was officially recognized by the US Senate and President Jimmy Carter that the founder of the day was Marian McQuade of Oak Hill West Virginia. They were inspired by her work to educate the youth in her community about seniors and their contributions. On August 3, 1978 President Carter signed the proclomation sent to him from congress to make the first Sunday in September after Labor Day to be Grandparents Day.
Some grandparents sacrificed everything, leaving behind all they knew and loved to fight for freedom far from home, or to start a new life and give their families a chance at a brighter tomorrow in America. Millions of grandparents serve as primary caregivers, providing the discipline, guidance, and encouragement needed to thrive. And for so many Americans, our grandparents are our heroes, our confidantes, and our fiercest advocates. As connections to our past and inspirations for our future, grandparents made us who we are today and have paved a path we can aspire to follow.
Every day, families and communities across the globe benefit from the too often unheralded wisdom and devotion of dedicated grandparents — women and men who blazed trails, broke down barriers, and shaped the world we know today. On National Grandparents Day, we honor America’s grandparents as the backbone of our communities, and acknowledge the progress they forged so that their children and grandchildren could live out their dreams.
There are three purposes for National Grandparents Day:
1. To honor grandparents.
2. To give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children’s children.
3. To help children become aware of the strength, information and guidance older people can offer.