In 1973, West Virginia began a statewide campaign to set aside a special day just for grandparents. The first Grandparents Day was set by Governor Arch Moore.
Through concerned efforts on the part of individuals interested in preserving their heritage, this campaign was spearheaded by Marian McQuade of Fayette County, mother of fifteen children.
Senator Jennings Randolph (D-WV) was especially instrumental in this project. In 1973, Senator Randolph introduced a resolution in the United States Senate and in 1978, five years after its inception, Congress passed legislation proclaiming the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day.
Excellent cooperation was received from radio, television, the press and several national publications, while contacting governors, senators, congressmen, churches, and organizations interested in senior citizens.
September was chosen, signifying the "autumn years" of life, and today this event, begun by only a few, is observed by thousands throughout the United States.
