National Grandparents Day falls each year on the first Sunday after Labor Day. It’s not a holiday invented to sell cards and flowers. It was initiated at the grassroots level by West Virginian Marian Lucille Herndon McQuade, with the behind-the-scenes support of her husband Joseph L. McQuade. They had 15 children, 43 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. After being married for over 60 years, Mr. McQuade passed away in 2001. Mrs. McQuade passed away in 2008.

There are three purposes for National Grandparents Day:

1. To honor grandparents.

2. To give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children’s children.

3. To help children become aware of the strength, information and guidance older people can offer.