Flag of Belarus
Belarus celebrates Independence Day. The country remembers the 1944 liberation of its capital Minsk from the Nazis. This land-locked country is slightly smaller than the state of Kansas. The land is flat and is significantly covered with marshland. Almost ten million people live in this eastern European country that exports chemicals and machinery. Children can color a picture about Belarus at: Belarus Art. They could also learn more at: Belarus.
Idaho Flag
Idaho became the forty-third state of the United States in 1890. Its name translates as “gem of the mountain.” It is the fourteenth largest state, but it is the thirteenth least populated state. Boise is the state capital, and main sources of income are lumber, potatoes, and mining. Idaho was explored during the Louis and Clark expedition. It experienced a gold rush in 1860. Children could visit an Internet site at: Idaho. Idea: Idaho is known for its potatoes. Children could investigate why and how Idaho grows so many potatoes. They could also make potato pancakes.
Samuel de Champlain (born Brouage, France, 1567; died Quebec, Canada, 1635) has been called the “Father of New France.” He left France in 1603 to find the Northwest Passage. He did explore the St. Lawrence River and traveled as far as Niagara Falls. In 1608 he founded a fur trading post on the St. Lawrence River and named it Quebec. Over the years he explored more of the region and became good friends with the Algonquin and Huron Indians. He found Lake Champlain and named it after himself.
George M. Cohan (born Providence, Rhode Island, 1878; died New York, New York, November 5, 1942) was an important actor, writer, and producer of American theater. He wrote about forty plays and musicals. However, he is most famous for his songs, including “Give My Regards to Broadway” and “I’m a Yankee Doodle Dandy.” Children can learn more at: George M. Cohan.
Samuel Huntington (born Windham, Connecticut, 1731; died Norwich, Connecticut, January 5, 1796) was president of the Continental Congress and signer of the Declaration of Independence, representing Connecticut. He was also the third governor of Connecticut. He stated in a letter to George Washington, “I will always love my Country.” Children could learn more at: Samuel Huntington.