Grandparents and other elderly persons have played many important roles in the family and in nation-building. In the past, they were regarded as sages, sources of wisdom, guides of the youth, mediators, and bridges of friendship and understanding. They served as pillars of stability. Because of their many contributions, the tradition honoring grandparents and elderly persons began.

In the United States, grandparents are honored on the first Sunday after Labor Day. This year, this event will be on September 13. First observed in 1973, this tradition was begun by two persons in the United States.

Michael Goldgar lobbied hard during the 1970s to educate the people about the important contributions senior citizens made and the contributions that they would be willing to make if asked. Marian Lucille Herndon McQuade, a housewife in West Virginia, championed the cause of the lonely elderly in nursing homes and she hoped to encourage the youth to tap the wisdom and heritage their grandparents could provide. Their efforts bore fruit.

President Jimmy Carter signed into law in 1978 the national observance of National Grandparents Day. On September 6, 1979, a presidential proclamation was issued making this event official. The proclamation designated the first Sunday following Labor Day as National Grandparents Day. The “Forget-me-not’’ is the official flower and “A Song for Grandma and Grandpa,’’ by Johnny Prill, is the official song of this event. September was chosen for the observance of this event, the month signifying the autumn years of life.

To honor grandparents, to give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children’s children, and to help children become aware of the strength, information, and guidance older people can offer are the purposes of observing Grandparents Day.

In the Philippines, Grandparents Day is every day. The extended family system is common in the country. Grandparents, parents, and their children live together in one residence. Thus, all the family members daily interact, the younger members often benefitting from the care and concern of the elderly members of the family.

Let us take good care and love our “lolos’’

and “lolas.’’ They are our living links with our forefathers and the inspiring examples for the youth to emulate when they will be the adults charting the future of their families and the nation.

Happy Grandparents Day!