World Gorilla Day is today! The largest living primates, gorillas live along equatorial Africa. Two species of gorilla exist: eastern and western. Their lifespan in the wild is between 35 to 40 years. They live in troops, and their leader is called a silverback. They are herbivores. Both species are classified as critically endangered by the IUCN.
Flag of Guinea-Bissau
Guinea-Bissau celebrates Independence Day. It gained its freedom from Portugal in 1973. Guinea-Bissau, about three times the size of Connecticut, is located at the far western edge of Africa. About 1.6 million people live in the country, and Bissau is the capital.
Second Official Flag of New Caledonia
New Caledonia celebrates New Caledonia Day, the day in 1853 when the islands were made a French overseas territory. Still a territorial collectivity of France, the islands lie in Oceania. About the size of New Jersey, the country is home to about 270,000 people. New Caledonia has about 25% of the world’s nickel reserves. Nouméa is the capital.
Office of Attorney General was created by Congress in 1789. The attorney general heads the department of justice, which acts as the chief legal department for the country. Edmund Randolph Jennings was the country’s first attorney general; he served from 1789 to 1794. Children can learn more at: http://www.justice.gov/.
Devils Tower
NPS Photo
Devils Tower was proclaimed America’s first national monument in 1906. Theodore Roosevelt decided the approximately 1,347 acre region located in Wyoming had to be preserved. Most geologists believe Devils Tower is an igneous intrusion where the sedimentary rock around it has eroded away. Children can learn more at: Devils Tower.
Flight 93 National Memorial
Flight 93 National Memorial was established in 2002 in Stoystown, Pennsylvania. It pays tribute to the 40 people who lost their lives on United Airlines Flight 93 on September 11, 2001. Their actions diverted the terrorist-captured plane from attacking the United States Capitol. A component of the National Park Service, the 1000-acre memorial is well worth a visit. Features include the Wall of Names, the Tower of Voices, and the Museum. Children can learn more at: Flight 93 National Memorial.
National Museum of African American History and Culture opened in 2016. Located on the National Mall in Washington, DC, the building houses about 33,000 artifacts. The Smithsonian Institute began construction of the building in 2003. Children can learn more at: https://nmaahc.si.edu/.
Howdy Doody
Photograph by Volcan Yuksel
Howdy Doody appeared on television for the first time in 1947. The extremely popular children’s show featured a combination of people and puppets. Cartoons were also shown. It last aired September 24, 1960. Idea: Children could create a puppet show relating to the upcoming New Year’s Eve.