September 13 is Grandparents Day: Do something grand!
About National Grandparents Day: A presidential proclamation was signed by President Jimmy Carter in 1978 to being the observance of this special holiday.
According to grandparentsday.org, the leaders behind this special day are Jacob Reingold and Marian McQuade.
- During the 1961 White House Conference on Aging, Jacob Reingold of the Hebrew Home at Riverdale (now part of RiverSpring Living) was inspired by a speech concerning the “new image of the aged,” and focused on recognizing the role of millions of older Americans who are grandparents.
- That same year, on September 16, 1961, the Hebrew Home held the first day specifically honoring grandparents.
- By 1963 it became an official holiday in the borough of the Bronx.
- On January 27, 1987, the Congressional Record affirmed Jacob Reingold’s pioneering efforts to gain recognition for grandparents and a national day to celebrate them.
- Their work culminated in 1978 when the United States Congress passed legislation proclaiming the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day.
Generations United urges grandparents and older adults to share their wisdom, perspectives, and fundamental civic values with young people on Grandparents Day. We’re calling on older adults to join with today’s youth in reaching out to decision-makers and beginning one of the most important dialogues in our history: discussing how, as a country, we can address the many challenges facing future generations—from climate change to literacy to health and wellness to financial stability.
Celebrate Grandparents Day by committing to Do Something Grand!
- Read a book with your grandfriends, grandparents, or grandfamily caregiver.
- Take a walk together through your neighborhood or favorite park.
- Share family stories of your favorite memories together, your family’s history, or look through a family photo album together.
- Go for an outing as a family (i.e. dinner at a restaurant, to the movies, skating rink, hiking, amusement park, etc.).
- Cook a meal together using your favorite family recipe.
- Do an arts and crafts activity.
- Have a virtual coffee or lunch date.
- Participate in an in-person or virtual family game night.
- Volunteer together in remembrance of 9/11 or attend a 9/11 memorial service event.
- Gather in person as a family and share kind words to honor those grandparents, grandfriends or older caregivers who are no longer here. Afterward, plant a tree or flower seed at a park, family garden, or special location to amplify their remembrance.
- Create a celebratory dance video with your family and friends.
- Find more ideas here.
Source: grandparentsday.org
