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NATIONAL GRANDPARENTS DAY

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On the Sunday following Labor Day, National Grandparents Day, honors the love only grandparents can provide. 

Grandparents and their grandchildren share a special bond. These hugging, caring and patient people in the lives of children offer more than a generous dose of love. Grandparents provide an abundance of wisdom. They also offer guidance and stability. 

Freshcut Paper Pop Up Cards, Orchid Oasis, 12 inch Life Sized Forever Flower Bouquet 3D Popup Greeting Cards with Note Card and Envelope
Freshcut Paper Pop Up Cards, Orchid Oasis, 12 inch Life Sized Forever Flower Bouquet 3D Popup Greeting Cards with Note Card and Envelope
Nacome Solar Garden Outdoor Statues Turtle with Succulent and 7 LED Lights - Lawn Decor Tortoise Statue for Patio, Balcony, Yard Ornament - Unique Housewarming Gifts
Nacome Solar Garden Outdoor Statues Turtle with Succulent and 7 LED Lights – Lawn Decor Tortoise Statue for Patio, Balcony, Yard Ornament – Unique Housewarming Gifts
Mothers Day Gifts for Grandma Grandpa from Granddaughter Grandson - Grandkids Picture Frame for Grandmother Grandfather Grandparent for Mothers Day Fathers Day Grandparents Day Birthday Thanksgiving
Mothers Day Gifts for Grandma Grandpa from Granddaughter Grandson – Grandkids Picture Frame for Grandmother Grandfather Grandparent for Mothers Day Fathers Day Grandparents Day Birthday Thanksgiving
Triple Gifffted Worlds Best Grandparents Gifts From Grandkids, Grandchildren, Grandma and Grandpa Mugs, New Grandparent Gifts Idea, Parents Anniversary, Christmas, Valentines Day, Gift box, Vintage
Triple Gifffted Worlds Best Grandparents Gifts From Grandkids, Grandchildren, Grandma and Grandpa Mugs, New Grandparent Gifts Idea, Parents Anniversary, Christmas, Valentines Day, Gift box, Vintage

When grandchildren need a story, grandparents tell the best. A grandparent’s wealth of family history and lore offers lessons of their own. Through humorous stories and some serious ones, grandparents gently point grandchildren in the right direction.

In 2004, the National Grandparents Day Council of Chula Vista, California announced a song for the day. A Song for Grandma and Grandpa by Johnny Prill became the official song of the United States National Grandparents Day holiday. The Council presented Prill with the National Songwriter’s Award for his song, too.  

The forget-me-not is the official flower for National Grandparents Day. 

As the number of grandparents grows from 65 million in 2011 to 80 million in 2020, expect the observance to increase in significance, too. 

NATIONAL GRANDPARENTS DAY HISTORY

Celebrated in the United States since 1978,  the United States Senate and President Jimmy Carter nationally recognized Marian McQuade of Oak Hill, West Virginia as the founder of National Grandparents Day. McQuade made it her goal to educate the youth in the community about the significant contributions that seniors have made throughout history. It was also her hope to have the youth “adopt” a grandparent, not just for one day or a year, but rather for a lifetime.

The Joint Resolution

In February of 1977, Senator Randolph along with the concurrence of other senators introduced a joint resolution to the Senate. The resolution requested the president to “issue annually a proclamation designating the first Sunday of September after Labor Day of each year as National Grandparents Day.” After Congress passed the resolution, on August 3, 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed the proclamation. The statute cites the day’s purpose: “…to honor grandparents, to give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children’s children, and to help children become aware of strength, information, and guidance older people can offer.”

Other Claims

Others claim the origin of this holiday resides with the efforts of Hermine Beckett Hanna of North Syracuse, New York. She recognized seniors and their importance as early as 1961. New York Congressman James T. Walsh awarded her efforts on February 21, 1990, in front of the United States House of Representatives. He also thanked Hermine Beckett Hanna “for her important role in the establishment of Grandparents Day.”

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalGrandparentsDay

While we have our grandparents in our lives, it is important to cherish them. Spend time with your grandparents. Learn about their life and ask questions to keep the stories coming. Do the things they enjoy doing. Sometimes, they only want to spend time with you. 

How else can you celebrate the day?
  • Pick up the phone! Surprise your grandparents with a much-awaited phone conversation.
  • Take your grandparents on an adventure. Plan a day doing their favorite things – one of which is probably spending time with you.
  • Write a letter to your grandparents. Share with them the things you’ve been doing. They will read your letter over and over.
  • Learn something from a grandparent. Have you always wanted to know how to make Grandma’s pecan pie or catch a whopper from the river? Grandma or Grandpa will probably show you how. You only need to ask.
  • Help them out. Clean out a flower bed. Take out the trash. Mow the lawn. Paint a room. Fix the internet. Run an errand. The list goes on.
  • Take a photo. Sometimes we forget to capture moments with the people we love the most. Take a photo with your grandparent and make sure they get a copy.
  • Speaking of photos, spend some time looking through old photos with your grandparents. Ask them questions about the people in them and record the information.
  • Adopt a grandparent. As surprising as it may seem, there are some of our older generations who have no grandchildren. However, they still have love and wisdom to share. 

If you no longer have living grandparents, share a fond memory of them. Remember something each of them taught you or one of the fun things you used to do. You can also write down your memories to share with future generations. 

Use #NationalGrandparentsDay to post on social media.

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Customizable Grandparent’s Day Gift for Grandparents | Nana and Papa’s House | Grandpa Grandma Doormat | Nanny | Nana | Granny Door Mat – Premium Quality, Thick Coir & Made in the USA
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Grandparents Legacy Journal (Charcoal, 85 Pages) – Memory Journal for Grandparents & Parents – Grandma Scrapbook Album – Ideal Gift for Grandparents

NATIONAL NEW HAMPSHIRE DAY

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National New Hampshire Day on September 7th recognizes the 9th state to join the Union. The Granite State epitomizes New England in many ways. From its breathtaking landscapes to its fascinating history and people.

State Symbols

State Capital – Concord
State Nickname – The Granite State
State Motto – Live free or die
State Bird – Purple Finch
State Flower – Purple lilac
State Animal – White – tailed deer
State Folk Dance –
State Fish – Brook Trout
State Dessert –
State Fossil –
State Mineral- Beryl
State Tree – White Birch
State Fruit – Pumpkin
State Song –
State Gemstone – Smokey Quartz
State Rock – Granite
State Insect – Ladybug

Quotable Quotes

If you’ve ever wondered where the phrase “not yet begun to fight” originated, just look to one of New Hampshire’s notable naval officers, John Paul Jones.

“Live Free or Die” is the state’s motto. Another revoluationary hero, John Stark earns the credit for it. In a written toast in honor of the anniversary of the Battle of Bennington, Stark’s full quote reads: “Live free or die, death is not the greatest of evils.” While he may not be the first to share the sentiment to live free or die, his toast summed up the country’s dedication to independence.

Settlers

New Hampshire’s history holds more than noble quotes. Many firsts fill its timeline. In 1719, Scotch-Irish settlers brought the first potatoes to North America. The settlers planted them in the settlement of Nutfield, now known as Londonderry.

Before Paul Revere had his famous ride, he first made another all-important journey. In 1774, Revere rode the 55 miles from Boston to Portsmouth to warn the citizens of an impending seizure of Fort William and Mary. The village stormed the fort and took control of the ammunitions before the British arrived.

Politics and More

New Hampshire became the first state to established an independent government. The state also created the first written constitution.

In 1828, when ownership changed hands at the Cocheco Manufacturing Company, the new owner reduced the wages of only the femail textile mill workers. On top of already difficult work and long days, the owners placed even stricter requirements on its employees. Frustated, on December 30th, about 400 of the female workers walked out. It became the nation’s first all female strike. The strike failed and resulted in many of the striking workers returning to work at even lower wages.

The state also holds its primaries before any other state. Early on during election time, the country focuses its attention on New Hampshire. Another phrase often attributed to New Hampshire: “As New Hampshire goes, so goes the nation.”

Known for its fall foliage, New Hampshire’s impressive colors bring visitors every autumn. From mountains to the seaside, the state offers year-round adventure.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalNewHampshireDay

Celebrate New Hampshire’s historic places, panoramic scenery and captivating personalities. Explore all New Hampshire offers! Use #NationalNewHampshireDay to share on social media.

NEW HAMPSHIRE FLAVOR

With apples as the leading fruit crop in the state, it should be no surprise that the people of New Hampshire specialize in baking and cooking with them. That includes their cider donuts! Not that anyone would refuse a donut, but these taste like fall!

Apple Cider, whether spiked or not, is a special treat in New Hampshire. A hot mug of autumn’s spiced orchard produce will warm you right up!

If you need a stronger drink to warm the cockles of your heart, try New Hampshire’s honey mead which is often fermented with the season’s fresh fruits. Also called honey wine, mead may be the world’s oldest alcoholic beverage.

Being a coastal state, seafood like lobster is a top choice but don’t over look fresh water favorites like fried lake bass. With the mountain hikes to take in all the scenery in New Hampshire, it’s easy to work up an appetite to sample all this goodness!

Notable People

John Langdon – Patriot – (June 26, 1741 – September 18, 1819)

John Langdon - Patriot
John Langdon – Patriot


Daniel Webster – U.S. Senator – (January 18, 1782 – October 24, 1852)

Daniel Webster: The Man and His Time Hardcover – Illustrated, February 1, 1997 by Robert V. Remini (Author)
Daniel Webster: The Man and His Time Hardcover – Illustrated

by Robert V. Remini (Author)

Sarah Josepha Hale – Writer Poet (October 24, 1788 – April 30, 1879)

Sarah Josepha Hale
Sarah Josepha Hale


Franklin Pierce – U.S. President (November 23, 1804 – October 8, 1869)

Franklin Pierce: The American Presidents Series: The 14th President, 1853-1857 Kindle Edition by Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr. (Author), & 3 more 
Franklin Pierce: The American Presidents Series: The 14th President, 1853-1857

by Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr. (Author), & 3 more

Horace Greeley – Journalist – (February 3, 1811 – November 29, 1872)

Horace Greeley: Print, Politics, and the Failure of American Nationhood Kindle Edition by James M. Lundberg  (Author) 
Horace Greeley: Print, Politics, and the Failure of American Nationhood Kindle Edition

by James M. Lundberg  (Author) 

Mary Baker Eddy – Author – (July 16, 1821 – December 3, 1910)

Mary Baker Eddy (Radcliffe Biography Series) Paperback – September 24, 1999 by Gill Gillian (Author), Gillian Gill  (Author)
Mary Baker Eddy (Radcliffe Biography Series)

by Gill Gillian (Author), Gillian Gill  (Author)

H. H. Holmes – Murderer – (May 16, 1861 – May 7, 1896)

H. H. Holmes: The True History of the White City Devil Kindle Edition by Adam Selzer  (Author)
H. H. Holmes: The True History of the White City Devil

by Adam Selzer  (Author)
American Ripper
American Ripper

Harlan Stone – Supreme Court Justice – (October 11, 1872 – April 22, 1946)

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harlan_F._Stone
Harlan Stone Supreme Court Justice

Alan Shepard – Astronaut – (November 18, 1923 – July 21, 1998)

Moon Shot: The Inside Story of America's Apollo Moon Landings Kindle Edition by Alan Shepard  (Author), Deke Slayton  (Author), Jay Barbree (Author), Neil Armstrong (Introduction), Howard Benedict (Contributor)  Format: Kindle Edition
Moon Shot: The Inside Story of America’s Apollo Moon Landings Kindle Edition

by Alan Shepard  (Author), Deke Slayton  (Author), Jay Barbree (Author), Neil Armstrong (Introduction), Howard Benedict (Contributor)  Format: Kindle Edition

NASA Video Collection: Alan Shepard - 1st US Man in Space
NASA Video Collection: Alan Shepard – 1st US Man in Space

John Irving – Author – (March 2, 1942 – )

John Irving - Author
John Irving – Author

Mandy Moore – Actress – (April 10, 1984 -)

Mandy Moore (Real-Life Reader Biography) Library Binding – June 1, 2001 by John Bankston  (Author)
Mandy Moore (Real-Life Reader Biography)

by John Bankston  (Author)
This Is Us: Seasons 1-3 DVD 3-Pack (Complete First Second Third Season) Mandy Moore (Actor), Milo Ventimiglia (Actor)
This Is Us: Seasons 1-3 DVD 3-Pack (Complete First Second Third Season)

Mandy Moore (Actor), Milo Ventimiglia (Actor)

Hannah Kearney – Olympian – (February 26, 1986 -)

Hannah Kearney - Olympian
Hannah Kearney – Olympian

Hidden Treasures

Robert Frost Farm State Historic Site – Derry

Madame Sherri Forest and Castle – Chesterfield

Thompson Falls – Pinkhams Grant

Hampton Historical Society and Tuck Museum Complex – Hampton (History of the only woman convicted of witchcraft in the state of New Hampshire as well as other fascinating information.)

U.S.S. Albacore – Portsmouth

NATIONAL MARYLAND DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

On August 24, we usher in the 7th state to join the Union with National Maryland Day.  Maryland’s coastal location brings with it a deeply rooted maritime heritage that includes an ocean battle defending the city of Baltimore at Ft. McHenry during the War of 1812. One witness to the action became so inspired, Francis Scott Key penned the words that later became our National Anthem.

The Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812: The History of the Battle that Inspired the National Anthem Kindle Edition by Charles River Editors  (Author) 
The Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812: The History of the Battle that Inspired the National Anthem

by Charles River Editors  (Author) 
Chesapeake Bay

Just over 200 years before these traditions flourished, Captian John Smith explored the Chesapeake Bay and the Nanticoke River. He kept a record of his travels, documenting the Native American people. Smith wrote about their cultures, the abundant animal, and plant life. Since this vast watershed is the largest estuary in the United States, the complex ecosystem thrives with diverse plant and wildlife.

Captain John Smith: A Select Edition of His Writings (Published by the Omohundro Institute of Early American History and Culture and the University of North Carolina Press) Kindle Edition by Karen Ordahl Kupperman (Editor) 
Captain John Smith: A Select Edition of His Writings (Published by the Omohundro Institute of Early American History and Culture and the University of North Carolina Press) Kindle Edition

by Karen Ordahl Kupperman (Editor) 


Boardwalk

Spending a weekend or a vacation at Ocean City with friends or family is a highlight of any Maryland trip.  The boardwalk and beaches provide plenty of relaxation, adventure, and fun in the sun. The Eastern Shore offers scenic views, site seeing, peaceful accommodations, festivals and events for everyone.

Civil War History

Head west to Antitiem and Maryland will take you into another era.  Here, the battlefields and Antietam National Cemetery hold a solemn reminder of the bloodiest singled day battle of the Civil War that occurred on September 17, 1862. Five days later, President Lincoln issued a Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation. Although Maryland was a southern state as defined by the Mason-Dixon line, it never seceded from the Union. While many families throughout the war fought on opposing sides, for Maryland families, it was a reoccurring theme.

Industry

Being located close to Washington D.C. makes Maryland ideal for aerospace, defense, and federal cybersecurity jobs. The state’s fishing industry thrives and is the largest producer of blue crabs in the state. The Oldline State is also home to McCormick & Company, Perdue Farms, Lockheed Martin, Black & Decker and Underarmor.

Official Maryland

State Capital – Annapolis
State Nickname – The Old Line State
State Motto – Fatti maschs parole femine
State Bird – Baltimore Oriole
State Flower – Black-eyed Susan
State Folk Dance – Square Dance
State Fish – Rockfish
State Dessert – Smith Island Cake
State Fossil – Ecphora gardnerae
State Tree – White Oak
State Song – Maryland, My Maryland
State Gemstone – Patuxent River Stone
State Insect – Baltimore Checkerspot Butterfly

NOTABLE PEOPLE

Johns Hopkins – Philanthropist – (May 19, 1795 – December 24, 1873)

The Ghosts of Johns Hopkins: The Life and Legacy that Shaped an American City Kindle Edition by Antero Pietila  (Author)
The Ghosts of Johns Hopkins: The Life and Legacy that Shaped an American City Kindle Edition

by Antero Pietila  (Author)

Harriet Tubman – Activist – (1822 – March 10, 1913)

Harriet Tubman: The Road to Freedom Paperback – January 5, 2005 by Catherine Clinton  (Author)
Harriet Tubman: The Road to Freedom Paperback – January 5, 2005

by Catherine Clinton  (Author)

Harriet
Harriet


Frederick Douglass – Journalist – Activist – ( unknown – February 20, 1895)

Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom Kindle Edition by David W. Blight  (Author) 
Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom Kindle Edition

by David W. Blight  (Author) 


American Experience: The Abolitionists
American Experience: The Abolitionists

Upton Sinclair – Author – (September 20, 1878 – November 25, 1968)

Upton Sinclair and the Other American Century Kindle Edition by Kevin Mattson  (Author) 
Upton Sinclair and the Other American Century Kindle Edition

by Kevin Mattson  (Author) 

Babe Ruth – Professional Athlete – (February 6, 1895 – August 16, 1948)

The Big Bam: The Life and Times of Babe Ruth Paperback – May 1, 2007 by Leigh Montville  (Author)
The Big Bam: The Life and Times of Babe Ruth

by Leigh Montville  (Author)
Babe Ruth Story
Babe Ruth Story

Thurgood Marshall – Supreme Court Justice – (July 2, 1908 – January 24, 1993)

Thurgood Marshall: His Speeches, Writings, Arguments, Opinions, and Reminiscences (The Library of Black America series) Kindle Edition by Mark V. Tushnet  (Editor), Randall Kennedy (Foreword) 
Thurgood Marshall: His Speeches, Writings, Arguments, Opinions, and Reminiscences (The Library of Black America series)

by Mark V. Tushnet  (Editor), Randall Kennedy (Foreword) 
Thurgood Marshall: America's First African American Supreme Court Justice
Thurgood Marshall: America’s First African American Supreme Court Justice

Barbara Mikulski – U.S. Representative – (July 20, 1936 – )

Barbara Mikulski
Barbara Mikulski

Mike Roe – Television host – (March 18, 1962 – )

The Way I Heard It Kindle Edition by Mike Rowe  (Author)
The Way I Heard It Kindle Edition

by Mike Rowe  (Author)


Maryland Flavor

Milk
Cream of Crab Soup
Fisher’s popcorn
Stuffed Ham
Crab dip
Berger Cookies
Steamed Crab
Crab Cakes
Thrashers Fries

Marylanders know their crab. It’s a big deal. Crab cakes, crab dip, steamed crab or a good old fashioned crab boil. However, they serve it up, they serve it deliciously and with pride. They know their seafood, but they know their crab. Don’t forget the Old Bay, either.

Follow that with Thrashers Fries and Fisher’s Popcorn from Ocean City’s boardwalk. It’s a required stop.

Fisher's Popcorn Caramel Popcorn, Gluten Free, 5 Simple Ingredients, Handmade, No Preservatives, No High Fructose Corn Syrup, Zero Trans Fat, 20oz Tub by Fisher's Popcorn
Fisher’s Popcorn Caramel Popcorn, Gluten Free, 5 Simple Ingredients, Handmade, No Preservatives, No High Fructose Corn Syrup, Zero Trans Fat, 20oz Tub

by Fisher’s Popcorn

Stuffed ham gains a favored place on the table in Maryland. Seasoned cabbage, kale, and onions are stuffed into a boneless ham, boiled and served cold.

For dessert, Marylanders like peach pot pie and the official state dessert, Smith Island Cake. Peach pot pie is similar to a cobbler with a sweet biscuit crust. As August 24th is also Peach Pie Day, it could be that this is how the tradition got started. The eight layers of the Smith Island Cake features fudge and moist yellow cake.

But, let’s remember crabs, in whole or part, are outstanding in Maryland.

Hidden Treasures

National Capital Radio & Television Museum – Bowie

John Paul Jones’ Crypt – Annapolis

Edgar Allan Poe’s Grave – Baltimore

College Park Airport and Aviation Museum – College Park

Underground Railroad Experience Trail – Ashton-Sandy Spring

Gathland State Park – Frederick County

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalMarylandDay

This beautiful state spans mountains and oceans, countryside and metropolis.  Celebrate Maryland’s people and their history on August 24. Use #NationalMarylandDay to share on social media.

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