when did grandparents day start

National Grandparents Day started in 1970 when Marian McQuade, a West Virginia housewife, began her campaign to establish a holiday to honor grandparents. The day gained support from officials and was first proclaimed a statewide holiday in West Virginia in 1973. The United States Congress passed legislation in 1978 designating the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day, and President Jimmy Carter signed the proclamation that year, officially establishing the holiday. The purpose of the day is to honor grandparents and to help children become aware of the strength, information, and guidance that older people can provide.