Grandparents Day is September 11

This Sunday, September 11, 2011, is the tenth anniversary of terrorist attacks against the United States. While we stop to remember those who died in the Twin Towers in New York, Flight 93, or the Pentagon, we should also stop to honor those who are still with us, our Grandparents.

Television coverage today showed the faces of children who lost their mothers and fathers in the dust and horror of those crumbling buildings. Their faces were full of hope and steadfast love in spite of their legacy.

In that horror, when a huge chunk was torn from a nation's heart, grandparents stepped up. It was both privilege and responsibility to insure that those children were given the support to become the people we see before us today.

The events of 9/11 resonated with all of us. After the dust settled and the thousands of lost lives were tallied, grandparents were there. Collectively we put our arms around the stricken, some of us rememembering World War II, some of us remembering the Korean Conflict, some of us remembering the War in Vietnam....

We held you in arms that had been emptied also from those wars...so we wept with you.

We know pain; we feel pain. May our children's children never again have to feel that boundless and unequaled pain from losing a beloved child... or grandchild, husband or lover in another wartime conflict. So grandparents were there.

Grandparents are unique and the Mercer County Freeholders agreed!

Many people are not aware of this, but Mercer County has created a special spot to meditate or picnic at closeby Mercer County Park. It has been dedicated as "Grandparents Grove" with beautiful picnic tables just off the marina area. There are lovely views and lots of activity. The tree colors at the lake are going to be changing to red and gold soon. so bring your camera.

Grandparents Day Quotes:

"No cowboy was ever faster on the draw than a grandparent pulling a baby picture out of a wallet." Author unknown...
A grandfather is someone with silver in his hair and gold in his heart." Author unknown...
"Grandmas are moms with lots of frosting." Author unknown.

This weekend, we should spend some time with our grandchildren, or even our own grandparents, and say "Thank you."

Grandparents are always there for their families and for the community.

Revere, Respect and Remember.

Grandparents rock!