Senate Resolution No. 200

BY: Senator PERSAUD

        MEMORIALIZING  Governor  Kathy  Hochul to proclaim
        September 10, 2023, 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 10, 2023, 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  10,  2023,  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.