Eritrea Celebrates Independence Day

 Events
May 242026
 

Flag of Eritrea

Eritrea celebrates Independence Day. It broke away from Ethiopia in 1993. The African country, bordering the Red Sea, was once under Italian and then British control. According to the CIA World Factbook, Eritrea is a bit smaller than Pennsylvania. About 6.3 million people live in the country, and about 80 percent of them are subsistence farmers. Deserts dominate the land along the Red Sea, but the central highlands are more temperate. Asmara is the capital. Children can learn more at: Eritrea.

Samuel Morse Sent First Telegraph Message in 1844

 Events
May 242026
 

First telegraph message was sent by Samuel F. B. Morse in 1844. The message, “What hath God wrought?” was sent from Washington, DC, to Baltimore, Maryland. Idea: Children could explore a GREAT website and learn Morse Code at: Translate. They could send messages to one another in Morse code. They could learn more at: First Telegram.

Scott Carpenter Ventured into Space in 1962

 Events
May 242026
 

Carpenter is the far right person in the first row

Scott Carpenter was launched into space in 1962. The fourth American to travel in space, he circled the earth three times. Aboard Aurora 7, he conducted five experiments in the five-hour voyage. He was the first astronaut to eat solid food in space. Children could learn more, including his aquanaut experiences, at: Scott Carpenter.

Birthdays

 Birthdays
May 242026
 

Diane deGroat (born Newton, New Jersey, 1947) has illustrated and/or written over 130 books for children. Her books include Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire and Brand-new Pencils, Brand-new Books. Children can visit her website at: Diane deGroat.

Emanuel Leutze (born Wurttenberg, Germany, 1816; died Washington, DC, July 18, 1868) came to America when he was nine years old. He started to paint at about age fifteen. Even though most people do not recognize his name, he painted some very famous pictures. They include Washington Crossing the Delaware and Columbus Before the Queen. Children can see some of his works at: Emanuel Leutze.

Ynes Mexia (born Washington, DC, 1870; died Berkeley, California, July 12, 1938) was a botanist who collected rare species of plants from South America and Mexico. She often traveled to remote and dangerous locations to find plants that had specific purposes. Children could learn more by reading Ynes Mexia: Botanist and Adventurer by Durlynn Anema.

Frank Oz (born Hereford, England, 1944) is a puppeteer. His characters include Miss Piggy and Cookie Monster.

Memorial Day Is Today

 Events
May 252026
 

Memorial Day

Memorial Day is today. Celebrated on the last Monday of May, the day honors all those who died in war. The day is marked with parades and picnics. The day also signifies the unofficial first day of summer. Children can learn about the history of Memorial Day at: Memorial Day.

Argentina Celebrates Revolution Day

 Events
May 252026
 

Flag of Argentina

Argentina celebrates Revolution Day. It became free of Spanish rule in 1810. Spaniards explored the area around 1515. Argentina is about 30 percent the size of the United States. Known for its vast Pampas, the country is famous for its large cattle herds. About 42.6 million people live in Argentina, and Buenos Aires is the capital. Children could learn more about Argentina at: Argentina.

Jordan Celebrates Independence Day

 Events
May 252026
 

Flag of Jordan

Jordan celebrates Independence Day. This Middle Eastern country became free of a League of Nations mandate by British occupation in 1946 and adopted a monarchy. According to the CIA World Factbook, Jordan is a bit smaller than Indiana. Mostly a desert country, Jordan needs water and oil. It exports clothing. About 6.4 million people live in Jordan. Amman is the capital. Children can learn more at: Jordan.

National Tap Dance Day

 Events
May 252026
 

National Tap Dance Day is held on the birthday of Bill “Bojangles” Robinson. Robinson was born in Richmond, Virginia, in 1878. He started his dancing career in vaudeville. He opened on Broadway in 1927. Robinson appeared in several movies with Shirley Temple, including The Littlest Rebel and The Little Colonel. He died in New York, New York, on November 25, 1949.

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