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What will you remember about 2017? It was an action-packed 12 months. The year had its highs and lows. Big and small events led to moments of sadness and joy.
Now 2018 is under way. But let’s pause to look back at 2017. Here are a few of its memorable and historic moments.
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January 20
DONALD TRUMP becomes the 45th president of the United States. He is sworn into office in Washington, D.C. Trump pledges to “preserve, protect, and defend” the U.S. Constitution. His wife, Melania, stands by his side.
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January 21
About 500,000 people join the WOMEN'S MARCH ON WASHINGTON. Speakers and demonstrators join together. They object to the election of Donald Trump. Similar marches take place all around the world.
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February 26
Disney’s ZOOTOPIA wins an Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film. The movie tells the tale of animals from all walks of life. They live together in harmony.
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March 13
Winter storm STELLA hits the United States. It dumps nearly five feet of snow in some places. Many cities are shut down.
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April 10
NEIL GORSUCH is sworn in as 113th Supreme Court justice. His confirmation hearings were difficult. At age 49, Gorsuch is the top court’s youngest justice.
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April 24
Astronaut PEGGY WHITSON breaks a big record. She has spent more days in space than any other astronaut. In total, she has spent 665 days in space. The previous record was 534 days. At 57, she is the oldest woman astronaut.
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May 9
President Trump fires JAMES COMEY. Comey is the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Trump’s decision to fire Comey surprises people. It sparks political controversy.
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July 10
NASA’s JUNO SPACECRAFT comes closer than ever to Jupiter’s Great Red Spot. It sends data and photographs back to Earth. They help us learn more about the giant planet.
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August 21
A total SOLAR ECLIPSE crosses the U.S. The moon blocks the sun and casts a shadow on Earth. It is a historic event. Millions of people watch. It is the first total solar eclipse to cross the country from coast to coast since 1979.
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August 25
HURRICANE HARVEY makes landfall. It strikes near Corpus Christi, Texas. It is a Category 4 storm. Record-breaking rains fall over Houston, Texas. The rain lasts for five days. The city floods. Many people must leave their homes.
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October 1
The national anthem plays before a football game. Some players stand. Others kneel, to raise awareness of racism and injustice. NFL PROTESTS like this began in 2016.
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November 1
The Houston Astros win baseball’s WORLD SERIES. They beat the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 7. It is a very close game. This is the first World Series win for the Astros. The team celebrates by taking part in a parade (above) on November 3.