Celebrate Grandparents Day on September 9th

"When a village elder dies, it's like a library burning down." This African proverb is an excellent reminder of the importance of our elders. The elders of a tribe provide invaluable knowledge, insight, and life experience for future generations. When they pass on, that information goes with them.

Soon families everywhere will be celebrating the elders of their clan. National Grandparents Day provides a wonderful opportunity to pay homage to those who came before you and to have a little fun in the process.

Grandparents Day is September 9th, the first Sunday after Labor Day. It started with Virginia housewife Marian McQuade's concern for the elderly. McQuade's campaigning resulted in Governor Arch Moore declaring West Virginia's first Grandparents Day in 1973. The holiday continued to gain steam when West Virginia Sen. Jennings Randolph introduced a resolution in the U.S. Senate to recognize Grandparents Day as a national holiday. In 1978 Congress passed legislation proclaiming the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day.

Celebrate by gathering and exchanging family photographs. The younger generation may enjoy creating a video recording of important family history. The history of many cultures is lost because important information was passed down orally. Use the technology available to you to preserve family history for generations to come. Creating a webpage highlighting family events is also great way to showcase your history.

While compiling family history is important you may want to try something more fun-filled, be frivolous! A family brunch is a great way to start this special day. If your senior citizen is full of zest they may enjoy making pottery with the children. Give the gift of companionship with a new pet or a gift certificate to their favorite store. If your senior citizen is not able to get out try online shopping or a simple arts and craft project. A nice piece of hand made art is a surefire way to make your grandparents' day.

If you don't have grandparents or other living elders in your family there are other ways to celebrate the day. You can spend time with elders that are close to your family. Senior facilities are brimming with aging citizens in need of families to spend time with.

Whether it's a family brunch, a brief visit or a grand affair; enjoy your grandparents this holiday. Our aging family members are trailblazers that deserves a little celebrating.

*Some information originated from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grandparents_Day