When Grandparent's Day Began

When Grandparent's Day Began
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Veronica_Scott]Veronica Scott

'Where there is a will, there is a way. Belief in oneself and one's abilities can move mountains and change the shape of the world we live in. And it all starts with a single idea. Single-handedly, Marion Lucille Herndon McQuade created a landmark in the history of service and efforts for the elderly.

In 1956, Mrs. McQuade helped Jim Comstock, editor of the West Virginia Hillbilly and the Richwood News Leader, in organizing a Past 80 Party. Sympathetic towards the octogenarians who were pampered around Christmas with family visits and gifts, they spent the other 364 days of the year in quiet and nostalgic reminiscence of memories. They were isolated from the love and visits of families, and Mrs. McQuade realized that the family tree was disintegrating all across the states.

To organize the Past 80 Party entailed reaching out to several nursing homes. Mrs. McQuade was heartbroken when she discovered the sadness and chronic isolation experienced by a large number of the elderly. She devoted most of her time for the next five years lobbying. Her drive and ambition paid off. On May 27, 1973, a special Grandparent's Day was proclaimed in the state of West Virginia by Governor Arch Moore.

But that was only the beginning. Buoyed by success at the state level, Mrs. McQuade worked tirelessly through U.S. Senators Robert Byrd and Jennings Randolph to create a national observance at the national level. Her efforts and dreams were realized in September 1978, when the White House called to inform her that President Jimmy Carter had signed Public Law 96-62, and it had been given unanimous Congressional approval ... the Sunday after Labour Day was designated as National Grandparent's Day. The first nationwide observance occurred in 1979, and it continues to grow in popularity. The month of September was aptly chosen for the holiday to signify the "autumn years" of life for the elderly generation.

Today millions throughout the United States observe this event, begun by only a few.

Mrs. McQuade has made it her goal to educate the youth community on the important contributions made by the senior citizens, as well as requesting contributions that they are willing to make if asked. She has also urged the younger generation to adopt a grandparent for a lifetime of experience and caring. You realize that the true meaning of family bonding and experience cannot be bought in any bookstore or imparted in any corporate training.

The statute's preamble cites the day's purpose as: "... to honour grandparents, to give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children's children, and to help children become aware of the strength, information, and guidance older people can offer."

The official song of National Grandparents Day is "A Song for Grandma And Grandpa" by Johnny Prill. The official flower is wonderful--the forget-me-not.

The main purpose of celebrating Grandparent's day is: to honour grandparents, to give them an opportunity to show their love for their children's children, and to help children become aware of the quality of information and guidance older people can offer in their lives.

Isolation from near and dear ones is a growing social phenomenon. People try to assuage their loneliness in material pleasures and trying to maximize the output of 24 hours a day. In every neighbourhood, there are elderly who would love an opportunity to be a Foster Grandparent. Take a look around the next time you go out for a walk.

Most important, Grandparent's Day can signify a loving spirit that lives within us throughout the year--a spirit of love and respect for our elders.

'Age is opportunity no less Than youth itself, though in another dress, And as the evening twilight fades away The sky is filled with stars, invisible by day.' - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

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