Grandparent's Day is...
The First Sunday After Labor Day
A Brief History of the Holiday
In 1973, West Virginia began a statewide campaign to set aside a special day just for grandparents. The first Grandparents
Day was set by Governor Arch Moore.
Through concerted efforts on the part of individuals interested in preserving their heritage, this campaign was headed
by Marian McQuade of Fayette County, mother of fifteen children.
Senator Jennings Randolph (D-WV) was especially instrumental in this project. In 1973, Senator Randolph introduced a resolution
in the United States Senate and in 1978, five years after its inception, Congress passed legislation proclaiming the first
Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day.
September was the month chosen, signifying the "autumn years" of life, and today this event, begun by only a few, is observed
by thousands throughout the United States.
For a complete history of the holiday, please visit The National Grandparent's Day Home Page
Observance
Proper observance of Grandparents Day is very important. Some families enjoy small, private gatherings, but for those who
entertain larger groups, it can be fun to have a story-telling time, allowing grandparents to relate stories of their past,
enlightening children as to how it was to grow up "back in the old days." Ice cream socials, picnics and lunch box socials
have also proven successful.
A very significant part of such reunions should include an update of family albums and pictures. Names and dates should
be put on old photos and many grandparents and grandchildren have begun family scrapbooks which live on, carrying many memories.
It is interesting to take a census, such as oldest and newest grandchild, family with the most grandchildren, or five generation
families.
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