Flag of Mozambique
Mozambique celebrates Independence Day. It became independent from Portugal in 1975. Located on the east coast of Africa, it is almost double the size of California. Natural resources include titanium, coal, and natural gas. About 25 million people live there. Maputo is the capital.
Croatia and Slovenia celebrate Independence Day. They both broke away from Yugoslavia in 1991.
Flag of Croatia
Croatia is about the size of West Virginia. Croatia’s seacoast has a Mediterranean climate, and the interior has more of a continental climate. About four million people live in Croatia, and natural resources include oil and bauxite. Zagreb is the capital.
Flag of Slovenia
Slovenia, according to the CIA World Factbook, is about the size of New Jersey. Slovenia, north of Croatia, also has a Mediterranean climate along its coast. Coal, lead, and zinc are natural resources. Almost two million Slovenians live in this small country. Ljubljana is the capital.
Virginia Flag
Virginia became the tenth state of the United States by ratifying the Constitution in 1788. It was named after Queen Elizabeth I, the Virgin Queen. Its nicknames include Old Dominion, Mother of Presidents, and Mother of States. The capital is Richmond. Virginia ranks 36th in area and twelfth in population. Jamestown was settled in 1607, and important landmarks include Arlington National Cemetery and Appomattox Courthouse National Park. Idea: Students could find a list of birthplaces of Presidents. Is Virginia truly the Mother of Presidents?
George Custer
Custer’s Last Stand took place in 1876 at Little Bighorn. Custer and his men attacked a camp of Sioux Indians in Montana Territory. Custer had misjudged the number of Indian fighters, and all 200 soldiers were killed within two hours. The Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument was established on November 26, 1991. Children can visit the monument site at: http://www.nps.gov/libi.
Image from Korean War Memorial
Korean War began in 1950. Soldiers from northern Korea attacked southern troops. The United States entered the conflict on June 30. The war ended July 27, 1953. Older children could learn more at: Korean War.