National Grandparents Day
While there was no official “grandparent’s day” on the calendar when I was young, I sure loved and appreciated my own. During the course of my life, and that of my children’s, I’ve come to recognize the deep impact grandparents have on the young members of a family, which makes this special day worth celebrating.
How did this become a National Day of Recognition?
The quest began in 1970 by a woman named Marian McQuade, a West Virginia housewife, mother of 15 children and advocate for older adults. Her vision was to honor and recognize the contributions made and the wisdom passed down by older family members.
In 1973, due to Marian’s advocacy, West Virginia became the 1st state to recognize this holiday.
In 1978 then President Jimmy Carter signed a proclamation designating the 1st Sunday after Labor Day as the national observance.
President Carter noted: “Grandparents are our continuing tie to the near-past, to the events and beliefs and experiences that so strongly affect our lives and the world around us.”
- Official Flower: The forget-me-not, which symbolizes remembrance and the bond between generations
- Official Song: “A Song for Grandma and Grandpa” by Johnny Prill was named the official song by the National Grandparents Day Council.
National Grandparents Day was established with three specific goals:
- To honor grandparents and recognize their guidance, strength, and the critical role they play in families
- To give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children’s children
- To help children become aware of the strength, wisdom, and guidance older people can offer
Families celebrate this day in a variety of ways. Many include looking through family pictures to reminisce and learn family history. Playing games that include question cards which bring out fun and inspiring stories or simply by eating a meal together.
Service and Community Involvement
In keeping with Marian McQuade’s original vision, many families use Grandparents Day as an opportunity to:
- Visit senior living and assisted living communities
- Volunteer with elderly community members
- Support organizations that serve older adults
Whether you are an official grandparent, play that role for children in your life or have grandparents of your own – September 13, 2026 – is great opportunity to celebrate the special kind of love and significant contributions older adults bring to a family.
To learn more visit National Grandparents Day: History, Significance, and Ways to Celebrate | Adopt a Grandparent Day