Jul 252024
 

Flag of Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico celebrates Constitution Day. Also called Commonwealth Day, the day celebrates the island’s 1952 constitution adoption. A United States territory, this Caribbean island is a bit less than three times the size of Rhode Island. Although it has a tropical climate, the country often experiences droughts and hurricanes. About 3.7 million people live in Puerto Rico, and many of the inhabitants have jobs related to dairy farming, sugar production, or tourism. More than 3.6 million tourists visit Puerto Rico each year. San Juan is the capital. Children could learn more at: Puerto Rico.

Jul 252024
 
Louis Bleriot before take-off

Louis Bleriot before take-off

Louis Bleriot became the first person to fly a plane across the English Channel. He left Les Baraques, France, in 1909 and landed in Dover, England. The trip took 36 minutes 30 seconds. The Daily Mail, a British newspaper, had offered a reward of £1000 to the first successful aviator. Bleriot received the reward, and he instantly became famous. Children could read the 1984 Caldecott Medal book The Glorious Flight: Across the Channel with Louis Bleriot, July 25, 1909 by Alice Provensen and Martin Provensen.