Indonesia Celebrates Independence Day

 Events
Aug 172024
 
Indonesia Flag

Flag of Indonesia

Indonesia celebrates Independence Day. It became free from Dutch control in 1945. About 13,700 islands comprise this archipelago, located between Asia and Australia. The total area of the islands is about three times the size of Texas. Over 251 million people live in Indonesia, making it the fourth most populous country. Jakarta is the capital. Idea: Indonesia grows cassava. Children could find out more about this crop. Older children could learn more about the country at: Indonesia.

Gabon Celebrates Independence Day

 Events
Aug 172024
 
Gabon Flag

Flag of Gabon

Gabon celebrates Independence Day. It gained autonomy from France in 1960. The country, located on the western coast of Africa, is for the most part covered with rain forest. The country’s area is about the same as the area of Colorado, and about 1.6 million people live there. Libreville is the capital. Older children could learn more at: Gabon.

Double Eagle II Crossed the Atlantic in 1978

 Events
Aug 172024
 
Double Eage II

Double Eagle II

Double Eagle II landed in Miserey, France, in 1978. The balloon and its crew, Larry Newman, Ben Abruzzo, and Max Anderson, had left Presque Island, Maine, on August 11, 1978. The balloon was the first one of its kind to travel across the Atlantic Ocean, and the three balloonists instantly became heroes. Idea: Children could list the difficulties the crew faced. For example, where did they sleep? Older children can learn more at: Double Eagle II.