National Iris Day

 Events
May 082024
 

Iris

National Iris Day began in Belgium in 1945 to symbolize the Allies’ victory, V-E Day, over the Nazis. The holiday migrated around the world, including the United States. This perennial plant tends to bloom in late spring. Over 300 species exist, and the plants grow from rhizomes buried below the soil surface. The word iris is derived from an ancient Greek word meaning rainbow. Idea: This project takes a couple of years. Children could plant a small number of iris rhizomes. Then the next year they can count the number of plants that appear. Then the next year they can count the number of plants that appear.

Hernando de Soto Discovered the Mississippi River in 1541

 Events
May 082024
 
Mississippi River Watershed

Mississippi River Watershed

Hernando de Soto discovered the Mississippi River in 1541. He called the river Rio de Espiritu Santo. The Mississippi River is about 2,350 miles long. It begins at Lake Itasca and ends at the Gulf of Mexico. Children can learn more about the Mississippi River at: http://www.nps.gov/miss/riverfacts.htm. Children can learn more about de Soto at: http://www.nps.gov/deso/index.htm

V-E Day Was Celebrated in 1945

 Events
May 082024
 
Winston Churchill Waving to the Ecstatic Crowd

Winston Churchill Waving to the Ecstatic Crowd

V-E Day was celebrated in 1945. Germany surrendered to the Allied Forces, ending World War II in Europe. A surrender document was signed in Reims, France, and became effective one minute past midnight on May 9, 1945. President Harry Truman, whose birthday is today, signed the agreement. He stated that the agreement was a wonderful birthday present. Children could view an excellent multimedia presentation at: V-E Day.

Birthdays

 Birthdays
May 082024
 

Ellen Howard (born New Bern, South Carolina, 1943) writes books for children. Her books include the Log Cabin series and The Crimson Cap.

Milton Meltzer (born Worcester, Massachusetts, 1915; died New York, New York, September 19, 2009) wrote about 100 books for children. He received the 2001 Laura Ingalls Wilder Award for his lifelong contribution to children’s literature. His books include Piracy and Plunder and Bound for America.

Journey Outside

Journey Outside

Mary Q. Steele (born Chattanooga, Tennessee, 1922; died Chapel Hill, North Carolina, July 6, 1992) wrote over twenty books for children and adults. Married to author William O. Steele, she stated that she was born an author. Her book Journey Outside received a 1970 Newbery Honor Award.

Harry Truman

Harry Truman

Harry Truman (born Lamar, Missouri, 1884; died Kansas City, Missouri, December 26, 1972) was the thirty-third president (1945-1953) of the United States. During World War I he served as an artilleryman  He was a senator before he was elected vice-president. When Roosevelt died, Truman became president. Some of his actions were to join the United Nations, to accept Germany’s surrender during World War II, and to drop the atomic bombs on Japan. Children could visit a website at: Harry Truman. Truman made an interesting statement. He said, “The buck stops here.”