Voyager 2
Voyager 2 made its closest approach to Saturn in 1981 and to Neptune in 1989. Launched August 20, 1977, Voyager 2 investigated Saturn’s atmosphere. It also researched Neptune’s atmosphere and checked out one of Neptune’s moons, Triton. The spacecraft continues to travel and send back data. Children can keep up to date with that data at: http://voyager.jpl.nasa.gov/
is sponsored by the United Nations. Created in 1981, the event calls on all factions to cease fire. This year’s theme is “End racism. Build peace.” Children could learn more at: http://internationaldayofpeace.org/.
Flag of Belize
Belize celebrates Independence Day. It left British rule in 1981, but it is still part of the British Commonwealth. This small country (slightly smaller than the state of Massachusetts) is located on the northeastern coast of Central America. Tourism is the most important contributor to the economy. Around 340,000 people live in Belize, and Belmopan is the capital.
Sandra Day O’Connor
Sandra Day O’Connor became the first woman Supreme Court Justice when she was sworn in in 1981. She retired January 31, 2006. She died December 1, 2023. Children could learn more about her at: Sandra Day O’Connor. She founded a website to help students better understand government: https://www.icivics.org/.
Flag of Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda celebrate Independence Day. The two islands gained their independence from the United Kingdom in 1981. However, the two-island nation still recognizes King Charles III as their monarch. According to The CIA World Factbook, the combined area of the two islands and smaller islands under their control is about 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC. Located in the Caribbean, southeast of Puerto Rico, their tropical climate attracts tourists. Tourism accounts for about 60 percent of their income. About 90,000 people call the islands their homes, and Saint John’s is the capital. How can children celebrate this holiday? They can peel, slice and sauté some plantain…yum!
Columbia STS-2 was launched in 1981. It was the first space vehicle launched for a second time. Eventually 134 STS missions took place before the program ended in 2011. Children could view a list of all the STS missions at: STS Missions.