Happy Birthday, Delaware!

 Events
Dec 072024
 
Delaware State Flag

Delaware Flag

Delaware became the first state of the United States by ratifying the Constitution in 1787. The state was named after Thomas West, Lord De La Ware. The Dutch arrived in 1631. The Swedes followed in 1638 and established the first permanent settlement, Wilmington, in the colony. Dover is the capital of this smallest but one state. Its nicknames are the First State and the Diamond State. The ladybug is Delaware’s official state insect. Children could visit an Internet site at: Delaware. They could research why Delaware is called the Diamond State. Are diamonds mined there?

Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Was Attacked by the Japanese in 1941

 Events
Dec 072024
 
Attack on Pearl Harbor

Attack on Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, was attacked by the Japanese in 1941. President Roosevelt called the day “a date that will live in infamy.” The Japanese airplanes attacked early in the morning. They destroyed almost the entire Pacific Fleet and approximately 200 airplanes. Almost 3,000 people were killed in the hour-long attack. This event brought about America’s entrance into World War II. Children can learn more about the bombing of Pearl Harbor at: Pearl Harbor.

Apollo 17 Was Launched into Space in 1972

 Events
Dec 072024
 

The Blue Marble

Apollo 17 was launched into space in 1972. Commander Eugene Cernan and Lunar Module Pilot Harrison Schmitt walked on the moon December 11, 1972, while Command Module Pilot Ronald Evans orbited above. They used the Lunar Roving Vehicle on their three moon walks. Other studies included photography, and one photo, The Blue Marble, is especially famous. The astronauts returned to earth December 19, 1972. The mission was the last manned trip to the moon. Children can visit NASA’s site for junior scientists at: http://spaceplace.nasa.gov/.