Nauru Celebrates Independence Day

 Events
Jan 312024
 
Nauru

Flag of Nauru

Nauru celebrates Independence Day. It gained its independence from a United Nations Trusteeship managed by Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom in 1968. Nauru is a small island, only 8.1 square miles (one-tenth the size of Washington, DC), and supports about 10,000 inhabitants. Yaren is the capital. The interior used to hold reserves of phosphates, used to make fertilizers. However, the phosphates have been exhausted. Located just south of the equator in Micronesia, the country has a tropical climate. Children can learn more at: Nauru.

Mauritius Celebrates Independence Day

 Events
Mar 122024
 
Mauritius

Flag of Mauritius

Mauritius celebrates Independence Day. It became a free nation in 1968, but it is still part of the British Commonwealth. About 2/3 the size of Rhode Island, this island country is located in the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar. The island had been colonized by various countries and often served as a way station for navies. About 1.3 million people live on the island, and sugar cane is the predominant crop. Port Louis is the capital. Children could learn more at: Mauritius.

Gateway Arch Was Dedicated in 1968

 Events
May 252024
 

Gateway Arch

Gateway Arch was dedicated in 1968. Located in Saint Louis, Missouri, the arch is also called the Gateway to the West or the Saint Louis Arch. It honors our country’s westward expansion and the courage of American settlers. One of the reasons Saint Louis was chosen was because the Corps of Discovery began and ended its journey here. At 630 feet tall, the monument is the world’s tallest arch. The idea of the arch began around 1933. Building the steel-clad arch started on February 12, 1963 and was finished on October 28, 1965. It opened to the public on June 10, 1967. The area became the Gateway Arch National Park on February 22, 2018. Children can learn more at: Gateway Arch.

Eswatini Celebrates Somhlolo, Independence Day

 Events
Sep 062024
 
Swaziland

Flag of Eswatini

Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) celebrates Somhlolo, Independence Day. Although it has remained part of the British Commonwealth, it became free of direct British rule in 1968. This land-locked country, located in the southeastern portion of Africa, is ruled by a monarch, King Mswati III. Eswatini, home to 1.4 million people, is about the size of New Jersey. Mbabane is the capital. Older children can learn more at: Eswatini.

Equatorial Guinea Celebrates Independence Day

 Events
Oct 122024
 
Equitorial Guinea

Flag of Equatorial Guinea

Equatorial Guinea celebrates Independence Day. It gained its independence from Spain in 1968. The country consists of a mainland portion of Africa and five islands. The country, slightly larger than the state of Maryland, exports cocoa beans and coffee. About 700,000 people live in Equatorial Guinea, and Malabo is the capital. Older children could learn more at: Equatorial Guinea.

Hooray for Shirley Chisholm!

 Events
Nov 052024
 
Shirley Chisholm

Shirley Chisholm

Shirley Chisholm was the first Black woman to be elected to the House of Representatives. Representing the 12th congressional district from New York, she was elected in 1968, and she served until 1983. She also ran unsuccessfully for President in 1972. Chisholm died in 2005. Children can read Shirley Chisholm: The Story of the First Black Woman in Congress, by Alicia D. Williams. Older children can read a biography of her at: Shirley Chisholm.

First Demonstration of Computer Mouse

 Events
Dec 092024
 
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First Computer Mouse

Douglas Engelbart invented the computer mouse in 1967 and demonstrated it for the first time on December 9, 1968.  However, it was not really used until 1984.  He received no money for his invention. Children can view Engelbart’s timeline of inventions and see some other interesting ideas, including a knee operating system, at: Computer Mouse.

Apollo 8 Was Launched in 1968

 Events
Dec 212024
 

Earthrise by Apollo 8 Astronauts

Apollo 8 was launched in 1968. Apollo 8 was the first manned mission to leave earth’s orbit, orbit the moon, and return to earth safely. One of the main goals was to view the dark side of the moon. Commander Frank Borman, Lunar Module Pilot William Anders, and Command Module Pilot James Lovell orbited around the moon on December 24 and returned to earth on December 27. On Christmas Eve they broadcast live from space and read the first ten verses of Genesis. The television show was the most watched program at that time. Children could learn more at: Apollo 8.