Hula Hoop was patented by Arthur “Spud” Melin, co-founder of Wham-O, in 1963. About 25 million hula hoops were sold in the first four months of production. Hula Hoops are still popular today. Children could check this website for great games/exercises to play with Hula Hoops.
Peace Officers Memorial Day has been honored by Presidential Proclamation since 1963. The day honors all law enforcement officers injured or killed in the line of duty. The week around the day is Police Week.
Gordon Cooper
Gordon Cooper, an American astronaut, circled the earth 22 times in 1963. His craft was the Faith 7. He splashed down over 34 hours after take-off. His craft was hoisted aboard a carrier before he opened the hatch. His voyage was the last of the Mercury flights. Children could learn more at: Cooper.
Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman, a Soviet cosmonaut, to travel in space in 1963. She was on the Soviet Vostok VI. She circled the earth 48 times during the 70-hour flight. Born in 1937, she was chosen from a field of 400 candidates.
Hotline during Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidency
Direct telephone communication, nicknamed the Hotline, was completed between the White House and the Kremlin in 1963. Legend called the Hotline a red telephone, but it was neither red nor a telephone. At first a teletype machine was used; then Reagan implemented a fax machine. Presently the Hotline is a secure computer link.
Flag of Nigeria
Nigeria celebrates Independence Day. In 1960 it became independent from the United Kingdom, and in 1963 it became a republic. The country, home to 175 million Nigerians, is a bit larger than twice the size of California, and Niamey is the capital. Children can learn more at: Nigeria.
Flag of Kenya
Kenya celebrates Jamhuri Day. Kenya gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1963. Today is also its Constitution Day, established a year later in 1964. This east African country, located along the equator, is slightly larger than the state of California. More than 40 million people live in this tropical country; Nairobi is the capital. Kenya exports coffee, tea and petroleum. Kenya’s coffee is quite strong. Children could find out how coffee is grown and harvested. They could also learn more at: Kenya.