Holidays Today

 Events
Oct 092024
 
Columbus

Christopher Columbus

Columbus Day is celebrated today.  President Franklin Roosevelt made Columbus Day a national holiday in 1934. The holiday was modified in 1970 to be the second Monday in October.

Indigneous Peoples’ Day is also celebrated today. It honors the cultures, histories, and struggles of Indigenous People. It is recognized as a holiday in twenty states and numerous cities. Some people celebrate it instead of or in addition to Columbus Day.

Canada celebrates Thanksgiving Day today. The event is always celebrated on the second Monday in October.

Leif Erikson Day

 Events
Oct 092024
 
Statue of Leif Erikson in front of Minnesota State Capitol

Statue of Leif Erikson in front of Minnesota State Capitol

Leif Erikson Day is celebrated in Iceland and some parts of the United States. The Viking may have discovered North America in the year 1000. Idea: Children could research the evidence and decide which European found the Americas first. October 9 has no association to Erikson; the date was picked because the first ship filled with Norwegian immigrants landed on October 9, 1825. The day was first recognized by Lyndon Baines Johnson in 1964. Every president since then has honored the day. Some people believe we should honor Leif Erikson Day rather than Columbus Day. Children could learn more about the debate at: Leif Erikson Day.

Uganda Celebrates Independence Day

 Events
Oct 092024
 
Uganda

Flag of Uganda

Uganda celebrates Independence Day. This African land-locked country became free from British rule in 1962. Slightly smaller than the state of Oregon, Uganda is home to almost 35 million people. Farmers comprise about 80 percent of the population, and coffee is one of its biggest exports. The capital is Kampala. Children can learn more at: Uganda.

Supernova 1604 First Appeared in 1604

 Events
Oct 092024
 
Technologically Enhanced Remnant of Supernova 1604

Technologically Enhanced Remnant of Supernova 1604

Supernova 1604 first appeared in northern Italy in 1604. Johannes Kepler, while not the first scientist to see it, made observations of it while he was in Prague. Also known as Kepler’s Nova, the supernova, of the type to happen in the Milky Way, was the brightest star in the sky and was visible during the day for three weeks. Supernova 1604 was also observed and noted in China and in Korea. Children can learn more about supernovas at: Supernovas.

Birthdays

 Birthdays
Oct 092024
 

Johanna Hurwitz (born New York, New York, 1937) has written more than 70 books for children. Her books include Hurray for Ali Baba Bernstein and the Riverside Kids series. Children can visit her website at: Johanna Hurwitz.

Camille Saint-Saëns (born Paris, France, 1835; died Algiers, Algeria, December 16, 1921) was a composer. One of his compositions was The Carnival of the Animals.

Taiwan Celebrates Republic Day

 Events
Oct 102024
 
Flag of Taiwan

Flag of Taiwan

Taiwan celebrates Republic Day, the 1911 anniversary of the Chinese Revolution. Located between the Taiwan Strait and the Philippine Sea, the main island and several smaller islands have an area of about 1.15 times the size of Maryland. Over 23 million people live in Taiwan, and Taipei is the capital. Children could learn more at: Taiwan.

Fiji Celebrates Independence Day

 Events
Oct 102024
 
Fiji

Flag of Fiji

Fiji celebrates Independence Day. The United Kingdom gave up custody of the three hundred islands in 1970. The islands, located in the South Pacific, depend on agriculture and tourism for income. The total area of Fiji is about the area of the state of New Jersey. Around 900,000 people live there. Suva is the capital. Older children could learn more at: Fiji.

London Bridge Was Moved to Lake Havasu City, Arizona, in 1971

 Events
Oct 102024
 
London Bridge, Lake Havasu City, Arizona

London Bridge, Lake Havasu City, Arizona

London Bridge was moved to Lake Havasu City, Arizona, in 1971. Spanning the River Thames, London Bridge was built in 1831. However, by around 1970 the bridge was not structurally sound for modern traffic. The government planned to dismantle it. Robert P. McCulloch, founder of Lake Havasu City, purchased the bridge. The pieces were dismantled, numbered, shipped to Arizona, and reassembled. The bridge, connecting portions of Lake Havasu City, has become a tourist attraction.

 Older Entries  Newer Entries