J 74: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim September 7, 2025, as Grandparents Day in the State of New York

 Senate Resolution No. 74 BY: Senator PERSAUD MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim September 7, 2025, 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 7, 2025, 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 7, 2025, 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.