Gibraltar Celebrates Day of Decision

 Events
Sep 102026
 
Flag of Gibraltar

Flag of Gibraltar

Gibraltar celebrates Day of Decision, a national holiday. In 1976 the citizens of Gibraltar voted to remain an overseas territory of the United Kingdom. Located on the southern coast of Spain, and bordering the Strait of Gibraltar, the country is about ten times the size of the National Mall in Washington, DC. Approximately 29,000 people live in Gibraltar, while about five million tourists visit every year. The territory is strategically important because it lies at the intersection of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

John Smith Became the Leader of Jamestown Colony Council in Virginia in 1608

 Events
Sep 102026
 

John Smith became the leader of Jamestown Colony Council in Virginia in 1608. Jamestown, which had been founded on May 14, 1607, was struggling because the colonists were more interested in finding nonexistent gold than by providing for basic needs. When Smith took over, he stated, “He who shall not work shall not eat.” The group continued to struggle, but eventually his philosophy took root. Children could learn more at: John Smith.

Abebe Bikila Won the 1960 Olympics Marathon

 Events
Sep 102026
 
Abebe Bikila

Abebe Bikila

Abebe Bikila won the 1960 Olympics Marathon. The Ethiopian ran the marathon barefoot. A last minute replacement for another marathoner, Bikila had little time to prepare for the race, including finding suitable running shoes. He decided to run without shoes. His time was 2 hours 15 minutes 16.2 seconds, a new record. He also won the 1964 Tokyo Olympics marathon.

Birthdays

 Birthdays
Sep 102026
 

Carter Braxton (born Newington, Virginia, 1736; died Richmond, Virginia, October 10, 1797) signed the Declaration of Independence. Representing Virginia, he helped supply the American army. He lost his fortune due to the war and bad business ideas. He might have had to go to debtor’s prison, but he died of a stroke. Idea: Braxton actually staved off a possible battle in Virginia. Children could find out more about his abilities to make peace at: Carter Braxton.

Betty Levin (born New York, New York, 1927; died Lincoln, Massachusetts, July 4, 2022) wrote at least 25 books for children. Her books include Brother Moose and Shoddy Cove.

Roger Maris (born Hibbing, Minnesota, 1934; died Houston, Texas, December 14, 1985) was a baseball player. On October 1, 1961, he broke Babe Ruth’s 1927 record of most homeruns hit in a season. Ruth had hit 60 homeruns; Maris hit 61 homeruns.

Rosh Hashanah Begins Today at Sundown

 Events
Sep 112026
 

Rosh Hashanah, New Year in the Jewish calendar, begins today at sundown and concludes at sundown on September 13. The days are spent in worship and with family. Yom Kippur begins on September 20 at sundown and concludes on September 21 at sundown. Children could learn more by reading Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, by Howard Greenfield.

Patriot Day and National Day of Prayer and Remembrance

 Events
Sep 112026
 

September 11Patriot Day and National Day of Prayer and Remembrance is today. The United States was attacked by Al Qaeda terrorists on this day in 2001. The terrorists commandeered four passenger planes. They crashed two planes into the World Trade Center in New York City and one plane into the Pentagon. The fourth airplane, destined for Washington, DC, crashed into western Pennsylvania. It appears the passengers tried to regain control of the aircraft. More than 3,000 people died in the attacks. The country responded by attacking possible Al Qaeda cells and other terrorist groups. Security within the country became more stringent.  An excellent source of information for children is Dennis Brindell Fradin’s September 11, 2001, published by Marshall Cavendish.

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