Grandparents' Day The impetus for a National Grandparents Day originated with Marian McQuade, a housewife in Fayette County, West Virginia. Her primary motivation was to champion the cause of lonely elderly in nursing homes. She also hoped to persuade grandchildren to tap the wisdom and heritage their grandparents could provide. President Jimmy Carter, in 1978, proclaimed that National Grandparents Day would be celebrated every year on the first Sunday after Labor Day. For 2009, Grandparents Day falls on September 6. Invite your Grandparents to attend church with you and your family on this their special day. This day has a threefold purpose: To honor grandparents To give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children's children. To help children become aware of the strength, information and guidance older people can offer.