September 11, 2011: National Grandparents Day
The idea for a special day to celebrate grandparents was first championed by Marian McQuade, a housewife from West Virginia. She believed that grandchildren should be encouraged to gain wisdom and a sense of heritage from their grandparents. Support for McQuade's idea grew and in 1978, President Jimmy Carter proclaimed that the first Sunday after Labor Day would be celebrated annually as National Grandparents Day.
In honor of National Grandparents Day, here are five fun facts:
1. The official flower of National Grandparents Day is the forget-me-not. The official song is "A Song for Grandma and Grandpa" by Johnny Prill.
2. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 7.5 million children lived with a grandparent in 2010. This accounts for 10 percent of the population of children in the U.S.
3. An Italian proverb says that: "If nothing is going well, call your grandmother."
Author Alex Haley has said: "Nobody can do for little children what grandparents do. Grandparents sort of sprinkle stardust over the lives of little children."
Comedy writer Gene Perret remarked: "What a bargain grandchildren are! I give them my loose change, and they give me a million dollars' worth of pleasure."
More quotes about grandparents can be found here.
4. Sadly, it is estimated that more than 50 percent of nursing home residents never receive visitors. Why not volunteer at your local nursing facility? Two to inquire about are Blair Manor in Enfield and Bickford Health Care Center in Windsor Locks.
5. Want to do something special for your grandparents (or someone who acts like a surrogate grandparent) today? Read More
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