National Anthem Day is today! “The Star-Spangled Banner” became the national anthem in 1931. Prior to 1931, the country had a number of patriotic songs but no national anthem. Little by little, various groups, including the navy, adopted the song. President Herbert Hoover signed the bill.
Flag of Bulgaria
Rila Monastery
Bulgaria celebrates Liberation Day. The country became an autonomous body under the Ottoman Empire in 1878. About the size of the state of Tennessee, Bulgaria borders the Black Sea, Romania, Serbia, Macedonia, Greece, and Turkey. The country exports textiles and footwear. Almost seven million people live in Bulgaria, and Sofia is the capital.
Hinamatsuri is celebrated in Japan. During this festival, girls cover a stairstep arrangement with red cloth and display their dolls. These dolls have been passed down from mother to daughter for generations. Blessings are placed on girls, and special foods are served. This website provides a great photo of a display and gives other good facts: Hinamatsuri.
Thomas L. Jennings patented “dry scouring clothes” in 1821. He became the first African American to receive a patent. He received Patent Number 3306X. Unfortunately his patent was lost in a fire, but experts believe the dry scouring was a form of dry cleaning. His process made him a successful businessman, and he spent much of his profits on the abolition movement.
Flag of Florida
Florida became the twenty-seventh state of the United States in 1845. Juan Ponce de Leon named the state Pasqua Florida, Easter festival of the flowers. The state capital is Tallahassee, and the state’s nickname is the Sunshine State. It ranks twenty-second in area and third in population. Most of the state is just above sea level. It is home to the Kennedy Space Center and Lake Okeechobee. Children could visit an Internet site at: Florida. They could also design a brochure regarding tourism in the state.
William Penn received the deed to Pennsylvania from King Charles II in 1681. The deed was in lieu of paying a debt of sixteen thousand pounds. Children can learn more about Wiliam Penn at: William Penn.
Vermont State Flag
Vermont became the fourteenth state of the United States in 1791. A translation of the state’s name leads to its nickname, the Green Mountain State. The state is the sixth smallest in area, and only Wyoming has less population. Montpelier is the state capital. Two of its products are maple syrup and maple candy. Idea: Children could enjoy pancakes and real maple syrup.
Frances Perkins became the first female member of a Presidential cabinet in 1933. President Franklin D. Roosevelt appointed her to be Secretary of Labor. She carried out many aspects of the New Deal, including the Civilian Conservation Corps, major improvements to social security, and laws regarding child labor. She served until June 30, 1945. Children could learn more at: Frances Perkins.
Slinky
Slinky was patented by Richard and Betty James in 1947. Richard was trying to develop a spring that would suspend ship instruments even in turbulent waters. He accidentally dropped one of his springs, and the toy was born. Children can “walk” slinkies down an inclined plane by following the easy directions at: Slinky.
Cheese Doodle Day is today! The puffed and baked cornmeal snacks come in a variety of shapes, textures, and spiciness. However, everyone likes the cheddar cheese dusting best of all.