Grandparents Day
September 13
About Grandparents Day
Grandparents Day is observed in the United States on the first Sunday after Labor Day each year, falling on 13 September in 2026. Established by a presidential proclamation in 1978, the day honours grandparents for their wisdom, guidance, and the vital role they play in family life. It provides an annual opportunity for grandchildren of all ages to express gratitude and strengthen intergenerational bonds.
What is Grandparents Day?
Grandparents Day is a federally recognised observance in the United States dedicated to honouring grandparents and the contributions they make to families and communities. Unlike Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, which are tied to fixed dates, Grandparents Day follows a variable schedule based on the Labor Day weekend. The day was championed by Marian McQuade, a housewife from Oak Hill, West Virginia, who spent years advocating for a national day to honour grandparents and encourage young people to connect with older generations. Her vision was not simply a day for cards and gifts, but a day to bridge the gap between generations and combat the isolation many elderly people experience.
When is Grandparents Day?
Grandparents Day falls on Sunday, 13 September 2026. It is observed annually on the first Sunday after Labor Day. Because Labor Day itself shifts each year, so does Grandparents Day:
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Sunday, 13 September |
| 2027 | Sunday, 12 September |
| 2028 | Sunday, 10 September |
| 2029 | Sunday, 9 September |
| 2030 | Sunday, 8 September |
Why Grandparents Day Matters
Grandparents play a profound role in family life, yet their contributions are often overlooked. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 7 million grandparents in the United States live with their grandchildren, and roughly 2.7 million of those serve as the primary caregiver. Beyond caregiving, grandparents provide emotional stability, cultural knowledge, and historical perspective that enriches the lives of younger generations. Research published in the journal The Gerontologist has found that close grandparent-grandchild relationships are associated with lower rates of depression in both generations. Grandparents Day is a reminder that these relationships deserve recognition and nurturing.
How to Get Involved in Grandparents Day
Grandparents Day is best celebrated through genuine connection and meaningful time together:
- Visit or call your grandparents — If distance prevents an in-person visit, a phone call, video chat, or heartfelt letter can bridge the gap. For many grandparents, hearing from their grandchildren is the most valued gift of all.
- Record their stories — Sit down with a recording device or notebook and ask your grandparents about their childhood, career, or life experiences. These oral histories become priceless family treasures.
- Cook their favourite recipe together — Preparing a beloved family dish side by side is a wonderful way to pass down culinary traditions and create new memories.
- Create a photo album or scrapbook — Compile family photographs spanning generations. The process of selecting and arranging photos often sparks stories and conversations.
- Volunteer at a care home — If your own grandparents are no longer living, consider visiting a local nursing home or senior centre. Many residents receive few visitors and would welcome the company.
- Plant a tree or garden together — A living memorial that grows over time serves as a beautiful symbol of the enduring bond between grandparents and grandchildren.
- Write a letter of gratitude — A sincere, handwritten letter expressing specific memories and appreciation is a gift that grandparents can return to again and again.
History of Grandparents Day
The campaign for a national Grandparents Day began in 1970 when Marian McQuade of Oak Hill, West Virginia, began advocating for a day dedicated to honouring grandparents. McQuade, a mother of 15 children and grandmother of 40, was deeply concerned about the isolation of elderly people in nursing homes and care facilities. She believed that a national observance would encourage families to reconnect with their elders and recognise the wisdom they had to share.
McQuade’s tireless lobbying efforts bore fruit at the state level first. In 1973, West Virginia became the first state to proclaim a Grandparents Day. Other states followed, building momentum for a national observance. On 3 August 1978, the U.S. Congress passed legislation designating the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day, and President Jimmy Carter signed Proclamation 4580, establishing the first official celebration for 10 September 1978.
The official flower of Grandparents Day is the forget-me-not, chosen for its symbolic association with remembrance and enduring love. Since its establishment, the day has been adopted in various forms by other countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, each with their own dates and traditions.
Noteworthy Facts About Grandparents Day
- Marian McQuade of West Virginia campaigned for over eight years before Grandparents Day became a national observance in 1978.
- President Jimmy Carter signed the proclamation establishing the day on 3 August 1978.
- The official flower of Grandparents Day is the forget-me-not.
- Approximately 70 million people in the United States are grandparents, according to AARP.
- Close grandparent-grandchild relationships are associated with lower rates of depression in both generations, according to research in The Gerontologist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grandparents Day?
Grandparents Day is a U.S. federal observance held on the first Sunday after Labor Day, honouring the role of grandparents in family life and encouraging intergenerational connection.
When is Grandparents Day in 2026?
Grandparents Day falls on Sunday, 13 September 2026.
Who founded Grandparents Day?
Marian McQuade of Oak Hill, West Virginia, championed the cause for over eight years. President Jimmy Carter signed the proclamation establishing the day in 1978.
Spread the Word
Help raise awareness by sharing Grandparents Day with your friends, family, and followers. Use the hashtags #GrandparentsDay and #GrandparentsDay2026 on social media. Whether you visit in person or pick up the phone, every gesture of connection matters.
Related Awareness Days
- Global Intergenerational Week — Observed in April, encouraging activities that bring different generations together.
- National Siblings Day — Celebrated on 10 April, honouring the bonds between brothers and sisters.
- International Day of Democracy — Observed on 15 September, just two days after Grandparents Day, celebrating democratic governance and civic participation.
Links
- Learn more about Grandparents Day at the Old Farmer’s Almanac
- Explore more awareness days at AwarenessDays.com
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