Honoring Jewish Grandparents in Massachusetts
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- Published on Wednesday, 03 September 2014 17:34
Grandparents’ Day is celebrated every September on the first Sunday after Labor Day. This year September 7th is that day. West Virginia resident Marian McQuade is credited with founding National Grandparents’ Day. She worked hard to encourage younger adults to adopt grandparents in their local communities, especially those confined to a nursing home. She felt it was important for our nation’s youth to understand the contributions their elders made to our nation throughout their lifetimes.
The History of Grandparents’ Day
In 1973, West Virginia Senator Jennings Randolph introduced a resolution in to the senate that would have made Grandparents’ Day a national holiday. Unfortunately, the resolution died in committee. Undeterred, Marian McQuade organized a group of supporters to contact governors, senators, and congressmen in all fifty states. They urged each state governor to establish their own Grandparents’ Day. After three years of work, the group had received Grandparents' Day proclamations from forty-three states.
Senator Randolph tried again in February 1977. His new resolution asked the president to designate the first Sunday of September after Labor Day as National Grandparents’ Day. This time his resolution passed and President Jimmy Carter signed the proclamation designating Grandparents’ Day as a day set aside to "... honor grandparents, to give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children's children, and to help children become aware of strength, information, and guidance older people can offer.”
Honoring Massachusetts Grandparents
If you are looking for ideas to honor the eldest members of your family this Grandparents’ Day, these resources may be of help. They are full of crafts, games, and activities for grandchildren of all ages to enjoy with their grandparents.
To learn more about this annual celebration, visit the official GrandparentsDay.com site.
