Grandparents and grandchildren are a celebration of perfection and nurturing love. Today is Grandparents Day, proclaimed a holiday in 1978 by President Jimmy Carter and celebrated on the first Sunday after Labor Day.

"It's funny what happens when you become a grandparent," explained Duke University basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski. "You start to act all goofy and do things you never thought you'd do. It's terrific."

Grandparents Day honors grandparents and gives them the excuse (like they need it) to show extra special love for their grandchildren. A loving connection across generations, the occasion helps children celebrate the wisdom and heritage older people possess.

"The closest friends I have made all through life have been people who also grew up close to a loved and living grandmother or grandfather," explained distinguished anthropologist Margaret Mead.

Grandparents Day was the idea of West Virginia's Marian H. McQuade who dedicated her life to selfless advocacy for senior citizens, the elderly, and the homebound. 

"Whether they are our own or surrogate grandparents who fill some of the gaps in our mobile society, our senior generation also provides our society a link to our national heritage and traditions," read President Carter's proclamation, following unanimous Congressional approval.

"Nobody can do for little children what grandparents do. Grandparents sort of sprinkle stardust over the lives of little children," praised writer Alex Haley. His best-seller Roots (1976) was inspired by stories told by his grandparents.

More GRANDPARENT Quotations

Grandparents + grandchildren = perfect love.