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. 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.
Singer/Songwriter Johnny Prill from Bad Axe, Michigan has been writing and recording songs for over thirty years. He
has received the National Songwriter Award from the National Grandparents Day Council out of 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 has been fortunate to have many of his songs recorded by various artists. Bobby Vinton has recorded a number
of Johnny's songs including "Proud To Be American" which appeared on Bobby Vinton's self-titled album "Bobby
Vinton." "Old Friends" is a ballad about Bobby growing up in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania with his "Old Friend" his
clarinet. Bobby has performed "Old Friends" in many of his live shows. Johnny's also wrote Polka Radio which appears
on Bobby's Greatest Polka Hits of all Time CD.
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.
(click on picture to view larger image)
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WEBSITE & CONTENTS COPYRIGHT 2009 - JOHNNY PRILL MUSIC - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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Welcome to
nationalgrandparentsday.com
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The National Grandparents Day Song "A Song for Grandma and Grandpa"
was written and recorded by Johnny Prill
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The National Grandparents Day Song
A Song for Grandma and Grandpa
Chorus:
Oh Grandma, Grandpa, you know that I love you
I love all those little things that you say and do
A walk through the park, a trip to the zoo
Oh Grandma, Grandpa I love you
Verse One:
Going to a ball game, fishing on the lake
Eating Grandma's cookies, boy they sure taste great
Going to the circus when it comes to town
Eating cotton candy and laughing at the clowns
Chorus:
Oh Grandma, Grandpa, you know that I love you
I love all those little things that you say and do
A hug and a kiss, a ride home from school
Oh Grandma, Grandpa I love you
Verse Two:
Spending time together, talking on the phone
Happy birthday presents, chocolate ice cream cones
Photographs and memories, picnics and parades
Saying that you love me in so many ways
Chorus:
Oh Grandma, Grandpa, you know that I love you
I love all those little things that you say and do
The stories you tell, things I never knew
Oh Grandma, Grandpa I love you
Words and Music by Johnny Prill
Johnny Prill Music, BMI
© 1982, © 2004
Click here to listen to a song clip of "A Song for Grandma and Grandpa"
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Click the TV icon below to view the Music Video of
The National Grandparents Day Song
"A Song for Grandma and Grandpa"
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.....National Grandparents Day is celebrated on the first Sunday after Labor Day.
.....................In 2009, National Grandparents Day falls on September 13.
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Johnny recording "A Song for Grandma and Grandpa"
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McQuade at WV State Capitol,
lobbying for elderly.
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