Grandparents Day
First Sunday After Labor Day
In 1973, West Virginia began a statewide campaign
to set aside a special day just for grandparents. The
first Grandparents Day was set by Governor Arch
Moore.
Through concerned efforts on the part of individuals
interested in preserving their heritage, this campaign
was spearheaded by Marian McQuade of Fayette County,
mother of fifteen children. Senator Jennings Randolph
(D-WV) was especially instrumental in this project. In
1973, Senator Randolph introduced a resolution in the
United States Senate and in 1978, five years after its
inception, Congress passed legislation proclaiming the
first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents
Day. Excellent cooperation was received from radio,
television, the press and several national publications,
while contacting governors, senators, congressmen,
churches, and organizations interested in senior citizens.
September was chosen, signifying the "autumn years" of
life, and today this event, begun by only a few, is observed
by thousands throughout the United States.
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