Aug 10, 2006

Grandparents Day Is Sunday, Sept. 10 -- What Are Its Origins?

Pretty much in the dark about Grandparents Day, I went in search of salient facts. I'll gladly share them - shouldn't we enjoy our day? After all, American comedian Sam Levenson said, "The simplest toy, one which even the youngest child can operate, is called a grandparent."

Figuring Grandparents Day's date was complicated. I found that, by President Jimmy Carter's declaration in 1978, it's the first Sunday after Labor Day. Problem was I didn't know Labor Day's date. (but it supposedly began with a parade of 10,000 workers in 1882 in New York, Sept 2).

I discovered Labor Day 2006 occurs September 4 (always the first Monday). Now we're getting somewhere -- Grandparents Day is Sunday, September 10, 2006. Good. Twenty-nine shopping days. Tell your grandchildren. Better yet, leave subtle reminders so you don't appear greedy.

A Web site says the impetus for National Grandparents Day came from Marian Lucille Herndon McQuade, a housewife in West Virginia. She wanted to draw attention to lonely elderly in nursing homes and persuade grandchildren to tap the wisdom and heritage that grandparents could provide. A fine idea. She hatched her idea in 1973, but it was a while till it got to Washington.

President Carter jumped on it once Senator Jennings Randolph (D-WV) tuned him in. The threefold purpose was to honor grandparents, give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children's children, and help children become aware of the strength, information and guidance older people offer. Seems like overkill on point two. Don't grandparents love their children's children on a daily basis? Of course we do.

Now Mrs. McQuade spent years contacting governors, legislators, friends and media to promote her idea. How she found time is beyond me -- Mrs. McQuade mothered 15, and grandmothered 40. She had 8 great-grands. If anybody deserved to have a day proclaimed, it would be she.

They say millions of people celebrate G-Day. History debunks a theory that the holiday was created by greeting card companies... but frankly, I don't know anyone who celebrates it. Maybe I don't get out enough. If you celebrate, here's a place to discover appropriate activities. Have a happy Grandparents Day, will you?

Links:

Book Reviews. Grandparents Day presents?

Jennings Randolph. The Senator who carried the message.

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