Jul 262024
 

Liberia celebrates Independence Day. In 1816 freed slaves settled in a town in Africa later named Monrovia. The colony grew and became the first republic in Africa in 1847. The country is about the size of Tennessee, and it has a tropical climate. Agricultural products include coffee, cocoa, bananas, and rice. Almost four million people live there, and most of the major cities are along the Atlantic coast. Monrovia remains the capital. Children can learn more at: Liberia.

Jul 262024
 

Flag of Maldives

Maldives celebrate Independence Day. Great Britain gave up control of the coral islands in 1965. About 1,200 islands make up this country located in the Indian Ocean. In total the area of the islands is about 1.7 times the area of the Washington, DC. Almost 400,000 people live there, and many derive their income from the tourist industry. Male is the capital. Children could learn more at: Maldives.

Jul 262024
 

New York Flag

New York became the eleventh state of the United States by ratifying the Constitution in 1788. Giovanni de Verrazano entered New York Bay in 1524. In 1609 Henry Hudson explored the area. Peter Minuit bought Manhattan Island from the Indians in 1625 and named the colony New Amsterdam. In 1664 the British attacked and won the territory. They renamed the land New York, after the Duke of York. The state’s nickname is the “Empire State,” and the capital is Albany. New York, New York continues to be a leading power in commerce and industry. Children could visit an Internet site at: New York.

Jul 262024
 
Apollo 15

Irwin with Lunar Rover I

Apollo 15 was launched in 1971. Astronauts David Scott and James Irwin landed safely on the moon on July 30 and used a four-wheeled vehicle, Rover 1, to travel across the surface. Astronaut Alfred Worden remained in the command module, Endeavor. The crew returned safely to earth on August 7, 1971. Apollo 15 was the fourth crewed mission to land on the moon. Children can learn more at: Apollo 15.