Presidents’ Day Is a National Holiday

 Events
Feb 162026
 

George Washington

Abraham Lincoln

Presidents’ Day is a national holiday. Originally meant to honor George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, this day honors all of our Presidents. Children could read Anne Rockwell’s book, Presidents’ Day. They could also visit the White House site to read a biography of every president, starting with George Washington, at: Presidents. Children could participate in some Presidential trivia. Which President served the least amount of time? Which President served the most amount of time? Which President received a patent? Which President went on to serve on the Supreme Court?

Lithuania Celebrates Independence Day of 1918

 Events
Feb 162026
 
Lithuania

Flag of Lithuania

Lithuania celebrates Independence Day of 1918. It became free of Russian and German rule. People celebrate this day even though Lithuania was annexed into the Soviet Union in 1940. In 1991 Lithuania became the first nation to break away from the Soviet Union. According to the CIA World Factbook, Lithuania is slightly larger than West Virginia and hosts a population of about 2.7 million people. It borders the Baltic Sea, and Vilnius is the capital. A member of the European Union, Lithuania depends on agricultural products, including grains, potatoes, and flax.

South Pole Telescope Saw First Light in 2007

 Events
Feb 162026
 

South Pole Telescope saw first light in 2007. Scientists using the ten-foot diameter radio telescope are seeking data regarding the history of the universe, dark energy, and galaxy clusters. The radio telescope is located on a South Pole plateau two miles above sea level. The air there is so dry that the area is desert-like. Older children can learn more at an excellent site: South Pole Telescope.

Birthdays

 Birthdays
Feb 162026
 

Robert Joseph Flaherty (born Iron Mountain, Michigan, 1884; died Dummerston, Vermont, July 23, 1951) is known as the “Father of Documentary Motion Pictures.” He started out making silent films, including the 1922 Nanook of the North. Later he made sound films. The Land demonstrated erosion effects.

Carol Gorman (born Iowa City, Iowa, 1952) has written at least 25 books for children. Her books include The Miraculous Makeover of Lizard Flanagan and Chelsea and the Green-Haired Kid.

Mardi Gras Is Today!

 Events
Feb 172026
 

Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras is today! Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday in French) is the last day before the start of Lent, the forty days before Easter. Today is a day of feasting and partying because Lent is not a time of feasting and partying. Special foods include doughnuts and a King Cake (complete with a small, plastic baby). Mardi Gras colors are purple, green, and gold. Many cities, including New Orleans, host Mardi Gras parades and other activities. Children can find Mardi Gras activities at: Mardi Gras.

Lunar New Year Starts Today and Lasts for 15 Days

 Events
Feb 172026
 

Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year starts today and lasts for 15 days. The year 2026 is the year of the horse. Customs vary from region to region. However, most Chinese thoroughly clean their homes to welcome in the gods. Family meals are essential, and fireworks are common. The color red is lucky, and children are often given red packets of money. Children could read Diane Hoyt-Goldsmith’s Celebrating Chinese New Year. Lawrence Migdale provided the amazing photographs for the book.

National Cabbage Day

 Events
Feb 172026
 

National Cabbage Day is today! A vegetable grown in even ancient times, the cabbage is a nutritious, versatile vegetable. The largest cabbage grown weighed 138 pounds 4 ounces! The world’s biggest producers of cabbage are China, India, Russia, South Korea, and Ukraine. In the United States, the biggest producers are California, New York, Florida, and Wisconsin. Idea: Children could research the health benefits of cabbage.

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