Grandparents Day 2023 (US): Date, History, Significance, Facts

Grandparents Day 2023: National Grandparents Day is observed on the first Sunday following Labor Day. This year, September 10 is the date. Similar to Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, we also dedicate an entire day to our elders. The special relationship between grandparents and grandchildren has been shown to extend the grandparents’ lives and make children more emotionally resilient. Grandparents Day is an opportunity to treasure that connection and spend some quality family time together.

Grandparents Day is observed on September 13 this year, the first Sunday after Labor Day.

Grandparents Day 2023: HISTORY

In 1969, nine-year-old Russell Capper wrote a letter to President Nixon proposing that a day be set aside to honor grandparents. On June 12, 1969, he received a letter from Rose Mary Woods, the President’s personal secretary, which read, “Dear Russell, We appreciate the letter you sent to President Nixon. Your suggestion for a Grandparent’s Day is appreciated, but the President typically issues proclamations designating special observances only when authorized by a Congressional resolution. With warmest regards, Sincere regards, Rose Mary Woods is the President’s personal secretary.”

Following this letter, the U.S. Senate and President Jimmy Carter recognized Marian McQuade as the progenitor of National Grandparents Day. McQuade desired to enlighten the youth on the significance of the elderly and their contributions throughout history. She implored the youth to “adopt” a grandparent and learn more about their lives, struggles, and future aspirations.

Senator Randolph, with the assistance of other senators, introduced a joint resolution to the senate in 1977, requesting that the president “issue annually a proclamation designating the first Sunday in September following Labor Day as ‘National Grandparents’ Day’.” The legislation passed Congress proclaiming the first Sunday following Labor Day as National Grandparents Day. On August 3, 1978, Jimmy Carter signed the proclamation, and the day was ultimately celebrated the following year.

Grandparents play big role in kids’ screen addiction habits

5 FACTS ABOUT NATIONAL GRANDPARENTS DAY YOU DIDN’T KNOW

National Grandparents Day’s official anthem is “A Song for Grandma and Grandpa” by Johnny Prill.
The “forget-me-not” flower is the official emblem.
Despite being designated as a national holiday, it is observed more as a commemoration than a public holiday.
People are sending greeting cards to their elders; it is the least we can do.
There are numerous occasions on which you may wish to spend time with your grandparents, but National Grandparents Day was, on average, the day with the most nursing home visits.

WHY WE APPRECIATE GRANDPARENTS DAY

Our grandparents are fond of us. They can be stubborn and opinionated, but they always have our best interests at heart.

It is not remarkable that our grandparents have learned something, given that they have seen and experienced so much in their lifetimes. They have so much to teach us, and we should make the effort to listen.

Let’s be honest, without them we would not be here. Since they raised our parents and took the time to dote on us when we were young, it is only fair that we repay the favor now.