Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia is the nation’s largest nation­al cemetery. Buried there with a special place of honor are members of the armed forces, as well as astronauts, explorers, and other distinguished Ameri­cans. President John F. Kenne­dy is buried in a spot overlook­ing Washington, D. C., and marked with an eternal flame. In the […]

Long ago, children hung their own stockings, or socks, over the fireplace mantel. Santa entered down the chimney and left candy and presents inside the socks for good children. Bad children received a lump of coal. Today the tradition of hanging up a stocking is carried on, but now many of the stockings are large […]

On January first, Americans may relax at home or visit friends, relatives, and neigh­bors. New Year’s Day get-togethers are often informal, but generally there is plenty to eat and drink as loved ones and friends wish each other the best for the year ahead. Many families and friends watch television to­gether enjoying the Tournament of […]

Songs, poems, stories, and performances are a regu­lar part of the Christmas season for many families. One well-known poem is “The Night Be­fore Christmas” written by Clement Moore in 1823. American children often listen to this poem before they go to bed on Christ­mas Eve, in anticipation of Santa’s visit. A favorite Christmas story is […]

George Washington, the first president of the United States of America, is often referred to as the “Father of Our Country.” Born February 22, 1732, in Virginia, he grew to be a natural leader—instru­mental in winning American inde­pendence from Britain in the Revo­lutionary War and creating a united nation out of a conglomeration of struggling […]