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History of National Grandparents Day
National Grandparents Day began with the compassion of Marian McQuade, who
believed in recognizing the vital role of grandparents. This West Virginian housewife
encouraged Americans to value the knowledge and integrity that grandparents possess.
She called upon the help of political authorities, church leaders, and civic organizations
to gather support for the cause.
West Virginia's Governor, Arch Moore, announced the state's first Grandparents Day
in 1973. McQuade, along with her supporters, continued to campaign for this special
day by corresponding with media consultants and government representatives from
each state. After the approval of the United States Congress in 1978, President Jimmy
Carter signed a proclamation declaring Grandparents Day a National Holiday.
Grandparents Day is celebrated annually on the first Sunday after Labor Day.
September was selected to symbolize the autumn years of life.
The official song, "A Song for Grandma and Grandpa," captures the true meaning
of the holiday. United States Senator Debbie Stabenow told Johnny: "It is wonderful
that "A Song for Grandma and Grandpa" was chosen as the official song of National
Grandparents Day. You have put into words the unique relationship between
grandparents and their grandchildren." The act of remembrance signified by the
Forget-Me-Not makes it the perfect flower for Grandparents Day. The observance of
this holiday has gained popularity throughout the years and continues to grow stronger.
National Grandparents Day began with the compassion of Marian McQuade, who
believed in recognizing the vital role of grandparents. This West Virginian housewife
encouraged Americans to value the knowledge and integrity that grandparents possess.
She called upon the help of political authorities, church leaders, and civic organizations
to gather support for the cause.
West Virginia's Governor, Arch Moore, announced the state's first Grandparents Day
in 1973. McQuade, along with her supporters, continued to campaign for this special
day by corresponding with media consultants and government representatives from
each state. After the approval of the United States Congress in 1978, President Jimmy
Carter signed a proclamation declaring Grandparents Day a National Holiday.
Grandparents Day is celebrated annually on the first Sunday after Labor Day.
September was selected to symbolize the autumn years of life.
The official song, "A Song for Grandma and Grandpa," captures the true meaning
of the holiday. United States Senator Debbie Stabenow told Johnny: "It is wonderful
that "A Song for Grandma and Grandpa" was chosen as the official song of National
Grandparents Day. You have put into words the unique relationship between
grandparents and their grandchildren." The act of remembrance signified by the
Forget-Me-Not makes it the perfect flower for Grandparents Day. The observance of
this holiday has gained popularity throughout the years and continues to grow stronger.
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| WEBSITE & CONTENTS COPYRIGHTED - JOHNNY PRILL MUSIC - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED |
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Johnny Prill has been called "one of the most creative songwriters of our time" (Bobby
Vinton). From his hometown in Bad Axe, Michigan Johnny still possesses the same
immense passion for music as he did when he first began playing at the age of eight. This
zest is always apparent to anyone lucky enough to catch one of his shows. From a young
teenager volunteering to entertain the residents of a local nursing home to the many clubs
and venues he has performed at throughout the years, Johnny does everything a hundred
and ten percent.
In 2004, Johnny received the National Songwriter's Award from The National
Grandparents Day Council in Chula Vista, California. The award was presented
in recognition of Johnny’s highly popular composition, “A Song for Grandma and
Grandpa” which is now the official song of National Grandparents Day. Johnny's
song was chosen because it portrays the wonderful unique relationship between
grandparents and their grandchildren.
Johnny presents a free outdoor concert annually to celebrate National Grandparents Day.
The concert is held at Courtney Manor Nursing Home where Johnny is their longest
running volunteer, entertaining residents once a month for over 24 years. Johnny states,
“They are our nation’s grandparents, and they are always so appreciative of the time I
spend with them. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to meet so many interesting
grandparents, and I hope I have the opportunity to meet many more.”
In a recent interview, Johnny had the opportunity to talk about has grandparents, his
volunteer work at local nursing homes and what inspired him to write "A Song for
Grandma and Grandpa." National Grandparents Day is celebrated on the first
Sunday after Labor Day.
Johnny began his volunteer work at age 12 performing with his accordion at local
nursing homes. In 2008, he received an award from Courtney Manor Nursing Home
for volunteering his musical talents, once a month, for 22 years.
In 2010, American folk singer Pete Seeger congratulated Prill on volunteering his musical talents.
In 2011, the Health Care Association of Michigan presented Johnny with their
"Volunteer Of The Year Award." Click here to read more
Johnny's songs have also been featured in numerous publications including
Country Weekly, The Las Vegas Weekly, The Detroit News, and The Detroit
Free Press.
Vinton). From his hometown in Bad Axe, Michigan Johnny still possesses the same
immense passion for music as he did when he first began playing at the age of eight. This
zest is always apparent to anyone lucky enough to catch one of his shows. From a young
teenager volunteering to entertain the residents of a local nursing home to the many clubs
and venues he has performed at throughout the years, Johnny does everything a hundred
and ten percent.
In 2004, Johnny received the National Songwriter's Award from The National
Grandparents Day Council in Chula Vista, California. The award was presented
in recognition of Johnny’s highly popular composition, “A Song for Grandma and
Grandpa” which is now the official song of National Grandparents Day. Johnny's
song was chosen because it portrays the wonderful unique relationship between
grandparents and their grandchildren.
Johnny presents a free outdoor concert annually to celebrate National Grandparents Day.
The concert is held at Courtney Manor Nursing Home where Johnny is their longest
running volunteer, entertaining residents once a month for over 24 years. Johnny states,
“They are our nation’s grandparents, and they are always so appreciative of the time I
spend with them. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to meet so many interesting
grandparents, and I hope I have the opportunity to meet many more.”
In a recent interview, Johnny had the opportunity to talk about has grandparents, his
volunteer work at local nursing homes and what inspired him to write "A Song for
Grandma and Grandpa." National Grandparents Day is celebrated on the first
Sunday after Labor Day.
Johnny began his volunteer work at age 12 performing with his accordion at local
nursing homes. In 2008, he received an award from Courtney Manor Nursing Home
for volunteering his musical talents, once a month, for 22 years.
In 2010, American folk singer Pete Seeger congratulated Prill on volunteering his musical talents.
In 2011, the Health Care Association of Michigan presented Johnny with their
"Volunteer Of The Year Award." Click here to read more
Johnny's songs have also been featured in numerous publications including
Country Weekly, The Las Vegas Weekly, The Detroit News, and The Detroit
Free Press.
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| A Song for Grandma and Grandpa (song clip) |
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| (click on picture to view larger image) |
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