Grandparents Saluted At Ceremony
On October 20th, Community Development Minister Michael Weeks and Health Minister Zane DeSilva saluted Bermuda’s senior citizens as they marked National Grandparents’ Day at a City Hall ceremony.
Grandchildren across the island are being encouraged to get in touch with their grandparents to tell them how much they love them and to thank them for being such a positive part of their lives.
Grandparents Day originated in the US in 1978 and is now officially recognised in a number of countries including Bermuda.
Founder Marian McQuid made it her mission to educate the young people about the important contributions seniors have made throughout history and encouraged the youth to “adopt” honorary grandparents in their communities to mark the day.
The purpose of the day is “…to honour 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.”
HMinister DeSilva delivers remarks at the Proclamation Ceremony:
Bermuda National Grandparents’ Day was first celebrated on October 18, 2001, and the first Proclamation was delivered by then Premier, Dame Jennifer Smith,” said the Health Minister.
“Ever since then, Grandparents’ Day has been celebrated in Bermuda on the third Thursday of October.
“The Bermuda Institute was instrumental in establishing this day and they have actively celebrated the contributions made by Bermuda’s seniors and grandparents.
Minister Weeks reads the Proclamation for National Grandparents’ Day 2011:
The Minister said it was unfortunate this special day wasn’t observed by very many other organisations or individuals and often passed without notice in Bermuda.
“As a result, the Bermuda Institute petitioned the Government to move the celebration from the third Thursday of October to the third Sunday of October,” he said.
“We were pleased to agree, as we want to ensure that our growing population of seniors and grandparents receive the recognition they so richly deserve.”
The Minister said today’s event marks the last time that Grandparents’ Day will be celebrated on ae Thursday.
“Next year, it will be on October 20, and we hope that the entire island will stand up, take notice, and pay their respects to all our grandparents,” he concluded.
Bermuda Institute School Choir performs a musical selection:
The Minister congratulated the staff and students at the Bermuda Institute for their ongoing support.
“We appreciate your passion, and we are sure that your efforts will be rewarded,” he said.
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