July 29: This Day in History

Today in History Featured Fact, 1945:
After racing across the Pacific to deliver the parts for the atomic bombs that will be used against Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the USS Indianapolis is torpedoed by a Japanese submarine and quickly sinks. The survivors are left floating in their life jackets in shark-infested waters, 600 miles west of Guam, far removed from sea lanes. No SOS was sent before the Indianapolis went down, and the ship's mission was so secret that Navy officials have lost track of it.

Also Today:
1914: New York City and San Francisco are joined by the first transcontinental phone link.
1938: The comic strip "Dennis the Menace" debuts.
1944: Allied air forces bomb Germany continuously for six hours.
1952: Passengers enjoy the first nonstop transpacific flight by a commercial jet.
1974: The Episcopal Church ordains its first female priests.

Dig down to the roots of your family tree with our genealogy resources.

What are your kids doing now that school's out? Try some Sunny Day Activities.

Add a Comment (0)

More on: History and Geography Skill-Builders

click here

Create Your Own Jack-O'-Lantern
We can help! Use our fun Jack-O'-Lantern Creator tool to make your very own spooky or silly jack-o'-lantern design. Print it out as a guide to carve the perfect Halloween pumpkin, or just let the little ones color it in. Sponsored by Madagascar 2. Watch the trailer here.

Kids and Whole Grains
Are you stumped when it comes to getting your kids to eat whole grains? Or do you have some of your own tips to share? Join in on our discussion!

Find Balance in Your Kids' Diet
The Balanced Meal Planner is a fun interactive tool that can help you plan a healthy, balanced diet for your family, based on the USDA's Food Guide Pyramid. Sponsored by Smucker's, home of more tasty ideas for kids.

Tired of the Breakfast Wars?
Set a truce with Apple Cinnamon Cheerios®, Fruity Cheerios®, Yogurt Burst Cheerios®, and Frosted Cheerios®. Four naturally sweetened flavors both parents and kids will love. Try one now with a $1 coupon.

Show Your Kids the Power of Voting
Help your kids understand the importance of the presidential-election process by giving them the chance to cast their very own vote in the 2008 race! Encourage your child's school to get involved in the National Student/Parent Mock Election on October 30, 2008.