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Cover Story

Grades 4-6

Pictures of 2008

As each year fades away, it becomes a part of history. Some events are remembered only in family stories. Others live on forever in books.

This year, Americans wrote history. They elected the country's first African-American President. Women ran for high office. A U.S. swimmer won eight gold medals at the Beijing Olympics.

Throughout the world, events big and small changed lives.

Here's a look back at some of the most unforgettableoand historic moments of 2008.

January 11

Olympic track star Marion Jones was sentenced to six months in jail. She lied about using illegal drugs.

February 3

In a stunning upset, the New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots by a score of 17-14 in Super Bowl XLII. Giants quarterback Eli Manning was named the game's Most Valuable Player.

February 5

On Super Tuesday, voters in more than 20 states cast ballots for Republicans and Democrats who were vying for their parties' nominations. Republican John McCain scored big.

March 14

For much of the month, Buddhist monks in Tibet protested against Chinese rule. The demonstrations spread and grew violent. China responded to the protests with a show of force. Security forces arrested protesters.

April 17

Pope Benedict XVI, the spiritual leader of the world's Roman Catholics, celebrated Mass at Nationals Park, in Washington, D.C.

May 12

A major earthquake rocked Sichuan, a province in western China. Four days later, Japanese rescue workers looked for survivors in the rubble. Thousands of lives were lost.

May 21

American Idol was a battle of the DavidsoArchuleta and Cook. David Cook got the most votes and took the title.

June 7

Hillary Clinton ended her campaign for the Democratic Party's nomination for President. The New York senator, and former First Lady, asked Democrats to unite behind Barack Obama.

June 19

It's ice! NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander uncovered water ice on the Red Planet. Scientists are investigating whether life could exist on Mars. Water is the main ingredient for life as we know it.

July 5

Tennis champ Venus Williams won her fifth Wimbledon title after triumphing over sister Serena in the finals.

August 28

Democrat Barack Obama accepted his party's nomination for President before a crowd of 70,000 at Invesco Field, in Denver, Colorado.

August 8-24

The world's athletes were in top form at the Beijing Olympics. American Michael Phelps swam into history with eight gold medals. On dry land, Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt proved to be the Fastest Man Alive.

September 1-4

John McCain and Sarah Palin greeted cheering supporters at the Republican National Convention, in St. Paul, Minnesota.

September 13"]

Hurricane Ike crashed into the Gulf Coast, leaving a wide path of destruction from Texas to Indiana. Recovery was slow in Texas, which was hit hardest by Ike.

October 29

The Philadelphia Phillies beat the Tampa Bay Rays to win the World Series in five games. It was the first championship win for the Phillies in 28 years.

November 4

Voters elected Barack Obama the 44th President of the United States. Obama won more votes than any candidate in U.S. history. He is the first African American to be elected to the nation's top job.

December 7

Max Sellers got a big kiss from his dad, Sergeant Kelly Sellers of the Ohio National Guard. The troops returned home just in time for the holidays. They had been stationed in Kuwait and Iraq.

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