History of Grandparents Day And Its Purpose

Who knew a small initiative letter could create a huge day like Grandparents Day.

Grandparents Day was initiated in 1969 when Russell Capper,9, proposed an idea to celebrate Grandparents’ Day to President Richard Nixon through a letter. In that, he proposed that we need a dedicated day for Grandparents. It is dedicated to celebrating the bond between grandparents and grandchildren and also shows love and support to them. If you are curious to find out the importance of Grandparents Day, You have landed at the right place to increase your knowledge of history.

Why do we celebrate Grandparents Day? Grandparents Day is celebrated on the first Sunday following Labor Day. This year it falls on September 13, 2021. It is dedicated to all Grandparents in the world.

Origin of Grandparents Days

When did Grandparents day start? Grandparents Day originated because of 9-year-old Russell Capper who sent a letter formally suggesting a day to honor Grandparents. He received a response letter on June 12, 1969, from Rose Mary Woods, a personal secretary to the president, reading, “Dear Russell, Thank you for your letter to President Nixon. Your suggestion regarding a Grandparent’s Day is appreciated, but the President ordinarily issues proclamations designating periods for special observance only when a Congressional resolution authorizes him to do so. With best wishes, Sincerely, Rose Mary Woods Personal Secretary to the President.”

After the letter, Marian McQuade was widely recognized by the country and senate and by President Jimmy Carter as the inventor of Grandparents. Marian McQuade’s remarkable initiative is ‘Adopt a Grandparent’. It is only for the day but a lifetime. She began a campaign for Grandparents Day at the beginning of the 1970s. Her idea was that people should have a holiday to spend time with families or to visit older family members who live in nursing homes. Her activism with seniors helped launch the initiative to introduce National Grandparents Day.McQuade committed to educating youngsters about the importance of older people and the contributions they have made throughout history. She requested the youth to adopt a grandparent.

In 1977, Senator Randolph along with other senators created a joint resolution to the Senate urging the president to declare the first Sunday of September following the Labor Day of each year to be “National Grandparents’ Days.” Congress has passed the law, announcing the first Sunday after Labor Day as Nation Grandparents’ Day. Jimmy Carter signed the proclamation on August 3, 1978. Since then, Grandparents Day has been observed every year. Jimmy Carter officially made National Grandparents Day a holiday in the United States.

The Purpose of National Grandparents Day

These are three main purposes of Grandparents’ Day:

• To Honour all Grandparents
• To provide an opportunity to show love and care for their children’s children.
• To help children to guide and support older people whenever they need.