5 Things You May Not Know For Grandparents Day

Meet the Grandparents. It's not a movie sequel starring Robert DeNiro and Ben Stiller. At least not yet.

Those are MY grandparents, Marian and George Horton. She grew up in Kentucky, he was born in Canada. They helped raise me in Connecticut. They gave me some values. Played catch with me. Taught me how to mix a martini.

Just kidding on that last one.

Here are 5 Things You May Not Know For Grandparents Day:

1. There's a National Grandparents Day

It's celebrated every year in the U.S. on the first Sunday following Labor Day (Sunday, September 10, 2017). Marian McQuade, from Oak Hill, West Virginia, is credited with the idea, which was signed into law by U.S. President Jimmy Carter in 1978.

2. Grandparents have legal rights

Grandparents connect us to the past and help guide our future. They deserve love and recognition, and their rights should be protected.

That last part is especially important to the folks at Koslosky & Koslosky, a law firm in Utica, New York. They are big advocates of grandparents rights. One of their specialties is securing visitation rights for grandparents in the middle of divorce cases.

Here's a brief synopsis of the Koslosky law firm's focus in that regard, straight from their website:

If you believe your rights to maintain a relationship with your grandchildren are being denied, contact Koslosky & Koslosky for a case evaluation...We have the skills required to help you secure and enforce your Grandparent visitation rights.

3. There's a website for grandparents

If your grandparents are around and you're not concerned about their rights, but would just like to get them a gift, try the services of The Grandparent Gift Co., which offers everything from mugs to shirts.

4. Other countries celebrate

Australia, Singapore, Sudan--almost everywhere except Canada. Our neighbors to the north adopted a Grandparents Day in 1995, then discontinued it 2014. What's up with THAT, eh?

5. There's an official flower

Appropriately, it's the forget-me-not. So, get 'em a gift or a flower, spend some time in person or on the phone. Or just tell some great stories. You probably have a million.