Senate Resolution No. 1558

BY: Senator PERSAUD

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
September 8, 2024, as Grandparents Day in the State
of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official days that are set aside to increase awareness of the vital role
grandparents play in the lives of countless children throughout New York
State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is moved to memorialize
Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim September 8, 2024, as Grandparents Day
in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National
Grandparents Day; and

WHEREAS, Each year, Grandparents Day is celebrated on the first
Sunday of September after Labor Day, by honoring the bond between
grandparents and grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Grandparents and children have a special connection that is
proven to both make grandparents live longer, and children more
emotionally resilient; Grandparents Day is an opportunity to treasure
that connection and spend some quality family time together; and

WHEREAS, In 1969, nine-year-old Russell Capper sent President Nixon
a letter suggesting a day be set aside to celebrate grandparents; and

WHEREAS, Following this letter, Marian McQuade, known for her
activism with senior citizens, was recognized nationally by the U.S.
Senate and by President Jimmy Carter as the founder of National
Grandparents Day; and

WHEREAS, Marian McQuade wanted to educate the youth about the
importance of seniors and the contributions they have made throughout
history; she urged the youth to "adopt" a grandparent and learn more
about their lives, challenges, and desires for the future; and

WHEREAS, In 1977, United States Senator Randolph, with the help of
other Senators, introduced a joint resolution in the Senate requesting
the President to "issue annually a proclamation designating the first
Sunday of September after Labor Day of each year as National
Grandparents' Day"; and

WHEREAS, Congress passed the legislation and President Jimmy Carter
signed the proclamation on August 3, 1978; Grandparents Day was
officially celebrated the following year; and

WHEREAS, Today, Grandparents Day remains a day to honor the
priceless roll grandparents play in the lives of the children they love;
and

WHEREAS, Throughout our State and Nation, it is vitally important
that the public acknowledges grandparents and their significance as

voices of the past and role models for the future of our most precious
resource, our youth; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim September 8, 2024, as
Grandparents Day in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.