Jan 042024
 
Myanmar

Flag of Myanmar

Myanmar, also known as Burma, celebrates Independence Day. It became free from British rule in 1948. According to the CIA World Factbook, Myanmar is a bit smaller than Texas. About 55 million people live in this southeast Asian country, and about 4.25 million people live in the capital of Rangoon. Monsoons plague this resource-rich, including natural gas, timber, and mining, country. Older children could learn more at: Myanmar.

Feb 042024
 
Sri Lanka

Flag of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka celebrates Independence Day. The United Kingdom relinquished control of the island in 1948. The country, located southeast of India, exports tea, coconuts, and rubber. According to The CIA World Factbook, Sri Lanka is slightly larger than the state of West Virginia. Colombo is the capital. Over 21 million people live in this country that has a tropical monsoon climate. Idea: Children could open up coconuts and enjoy the milk. They could toast the coconut flesh and enjoy it. Older children could learn more at: Sri Lanka.

May 142024
 

Flag of Israel

Israel celebrated Yom Ha’atzmaut,  the day it became a nation, in 1948. However, because the Jewish calendar is lunar, the day Israel celebrates its founding varies from year to year. Israel’s area is roughly the area of New Jersey. The country is home to 8.8 million people, and Jerusalem is the capital and largest city. It exports packaged medicines, medical equipment, and integrated circuits. Children can learn more at: Israel.

Jun 242024
 
Berlin Airlift

Berlin Airlift

Berlin airlift began in 1948. After World War II, Germany was divided into four parts. The Soviet Union controlled the portion that held Berlin. Berlin itself had been divided into four parts. Hoping to create a blockade, the Soviet Union denied access to the city. The United States, France, and Great Britain responded, via “Operation Vittles,” by airlifting food and other supplies into Berlin. Over 2,300,000 tons of supplies were lifted in via 277,000 flights. The airlift lasted until May 12, 1949.

Sep 092024
 
North Korea

Flag of North Korea

North Korea celebrates Founding Day, the day in 1948 when the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea was created. The country’s area is about the same as the area of the state of Mississippi. Almost 25 million people live in North Korea, and Pyongyang is the capital. Children could learn more at: North Korea.

Sep 222024
 

Operation Little Vittles began in 1948. To understand Operation Little Vittles, we must understand Operation Vittles. After World War II ended. Germany was divided into four sectors, with the United States, France, United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union each in charge of one sector. The Soviet Union’s sector included Berlin. The Soviet Union on June 24, 1948, began blockading Berlin, allowing no food or fuel to enter the city. The other three nations responded by airlifting food and fuel, Operation Vittles, into the desperate city. Colonel Gail Halvorsen was one of the pilots bringing in supplies. He noticed that the children in Berlin got excited to even see a stick of gum. He decided to drop his rations of candy and gum attached to handkerchief parachutes to the children. Thus began Operation Little Vittles. Others heard of his kindness, and individuals and candy makers began donating goodies. Eventually over 23 tons of candy were dropped from about 250,000 small parachutes. On May 13, 1949, the Soviets lifted the blockade, and Operation Vittles and Operation Little Vittles were no longer needed.

Dec 012024
 

Scrabble was copyrighted by James Brunot in 1948. Alfred Butts created the game, originally called Lexico, in 1931. Butts based the amount of letters by analyzing letter frequencies on the first pages of The New York Times and other print sources. Butts sold Scrabble to Brunot in 1948 in exchange for a royalty on every unit sold. Brunot and his family struggled for a while trying to make Scrabble profitable. Then it became so profitable they could not meet demand. Today Hasbro has the United States and Canada rights, and Mattel sells the game in all other countries. It is sold in 121 countries and in 30 languages. Children could learn more at: Scrabble.