National Grandparents Day 2009: The Meaning and Traditions

National Grandparents Day is celebrated on the first Sunday after Labour Day in Canada and the US, which means this year the day to cherish your grandparents will be Sunday, September 13. Historically, American Marian McQuade is considered to be the founder of the Grandparents Day. The holiday is relatively new, having been officially approved by President Carter in 1978. The original idea was to dedicate a day to recognizing the importance and lifetime achievements of our grandparents without whom we quite literally would not exist.

The Grandparents Day even has an official song called ... wait for it, "A Song for Grandma and Grandpa" by Johnny Prill. Interestingly, the official flower of Grandparents Day is Forget-me-not.

So, on September 13, pick up that phone and give your Grandma, Nonna or Baba a call. It will mean a world of difference to her. And, even if your grandparents have long passed away, adopt a grandparent for a day - maybe, treat your elderly neighbour to an ice cream or mow their lawn, but most importantly show appreciation for our seniors while they are still with us.