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, Johnny will be
celebrating 25 years! 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.
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, Johnny will be
celebrating 25 years! 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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