West Loch Disaster remembrance planned
The Obama Hawaiian Africana Museum and the Defense POW /MIA Accounting Agency will host a remembrance ceremony Wednesday at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl honoring the anniversary of the deadly 1944 West Loch Disaster.
On May 21, 1944, service members were working on several vessels docked at West Loch loading weapons and supplies to support Operation Forager, the invasion of the Japanese-occupied Mariana Islands. At 3 :08 p.m. something caused an explosion aboard LST-353 near its bow. The blast killed serv icemen on board and rained burning debris on nearby vessels.
The debris ignited fuel and munitions stored on their decks, setting off an explosive chain reaction. By the time the smoke cleared, explosions and debris had destroyed six LSTs, killing at least 163 people and injuring 396—though some historians suspect shoddy record-keeping by Army officials in a rush to keep Operation Forager on track could have as many as 100 more uncounted.
More than half of the soldiers were Black troops from the 29th Chemical Decontamination Unit. The handling of the West Loch disaster and its aftermath would in time contribute to calls for the desegregation of the U.S. military after World War II.
Many of the dead were buried at Punchbowl as unknowns, where they rested for decades. But in 2024 the DPAA exhumed the remains of the unknowns in an effort to identify them based on a mix of DNA testing and historical research. According to a media release by the Obama Hawaiian Africana Museum, speakers at the event will talk about an emerging DPAA partnership with the Obama Hawaiian Africana Museum to engage with people who may be related to the West Loch dead to collect additional DNA to support efforts to identify the remains.
The ceremony will be at 2-3 p.m. Wednesday at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl, 2177 Puowaina Drive.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
21 hours ago
Chinese ship runs aground off Philippines-occupied island in the disputed South China Sea
PUERTO PRINCESA, Philippines -- A Chinese ship ran aground in stormy weather in shallow waters off a Philippines-occupied island in the disputed South China Sea, prompting Filipino forces to go on alert, Philippine military officials said Sunday. When Filipino forces assessed that the Chinese fishing vessel appeared to have run aground in the shallows east of Thitu Island on Saturday because of bad weather, Philippine military and coast guard personnel deployed to provide help but later saw that the ship had been extricated, regional navy spokesperson Ellaine Rose Collado said. No other details were immediately available, including if there were injuries among the crewmembers or if the ship was damaged, Collado said. Confrontations have spiked between Chinese and Philippine coast guard and navy ships in the disputed waters in recent years. "The alertness of our troops is always there,' Col. Xerxes Trinidad of the Armed Forces of the Philippines told reporters. But when they saw that a probable accident had happened, 'we tried to provide assistance as professionals' in accordance with international law on helping distressed vessels at sea. "We're always following international law,' Trinidad said. Filipino villagers living in a fishing village on Thitu, which they call Pagasa island, immediately informed the Philippine military and coast guard after seeing the Chinese ship lying in the shallows about 1.5 nautical miles (2.7 kilometers) from their village, said MP Albayda, a local Filipino official, told The Associated Press. 'They got worried because the Chinese were so close but it was really the strong wind and waves that caused the ship to run aground," said Albayda, adding that other Chinese ships pulled the stricken vessel away. The stricken ship resembled what the Philippine military had repeatedly said were suspected Chinese militia ships, which had backed the Chinese coast guard and navy in blocking and harassing Philippine coast guard and military vessels in the disputed waters, a busy conduit for global trade and commerce. Thitu Island is home to a Philippine fishing village and Filipino forces and is the largest of nine islands and islets occupied by the Philippines. It lies about 26 kilometers (16 miles) from Subi Reef, which China transformed into an island base along with six other barren reefs to reinforce its claim to virtually the entire South China Sea. Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan are also involved in the long-simmering territorial standoffs, an Asian flashpoint that many fear could pit China and the United States in a major conflict. The U.S. does not lay any claim to the South China Sea but has repeatedly warned that it's obligated to defend the Philippines, it's longtime treaty ally, if Filipino forces, ships and aircraft come under an armed attack, including in the South China Sea.
Buzz Feed
a day ago
- Buzz Feed
33 TikTok-Approved Products To Recommend To Your Friends Before They See Them On Reels In Two Weeks
A Stanley cup holder that sticks to your fridge (or another metal surface) with magnets to keep your tumblers organized and at arm's reach for easy fill-ups — without sacrificing precious cabinet or counter space. Why didn't I think of that?! Anua's azelaic acid serum — don't let the "acid" in the name fool you; it's not a super harsh exfoliant but rather a skin soother that can (gently!) clarify and help reduce redness, diminish blemishes, *and* reduce the appearance of post-acne marks and discoloration. And this formulation also includes hyaluronic acid, aloe, and cica for hydration and further soothing. Old Navy's Vintage tee — if you're in the market for the perfect t-shirt, you can't go wrong with it. It has a relaxed fit, a not-too-long-but-not-too-short hip length that can be tucked or worn out, and a nonsaggy crew neckline. *And* it's made of a thick (aka not sheer) but breathable 100% cotton! What more is there to ask for? Oh yeah, it's under $ usually discounted so you can stock up on several. A pen case, but not just any pen case. This Japanese stationery innovation functions as a pen stand so you can keep all your writing utensils at a glance, whether you're color-coding your notes in class or swapping between shades while drawing or coloring — without needing to lay everything out on your desk. And the top has a built-in drawer that can store small stuff (like erasers or paper clips) when closed *and* works as a phone stand when open, so you can keep your notis at a glance. A *heated* ice cream scoop to make dishing up a sundae feel less like arm day at the gym. No more microwaving, no more letting the pint sit out on the counter while you wait patiently... This'll cut through your favorite flavor like buttah! The handle even displays the temperature — how fancy. Nyx's Lip IV Hydrating Gloss Serum — a beautifully pigmented, glass-like gloss that's comfortable and non-sticky. But hear ye, hear ye: it's secretly also the PERFECT lip stain that lasts all! day! long! Just apply (the pointed doefoot is ideal for flawless application even without lipliner), let it hang out for a few minutes, then blot it away for a *gorgeous*, nonpatchy stain you don't have to reapply. Dumpling Daughter's Spicy Sweet Soy sauce — as the name suggests, it packs just the right punch of sweet (brown sugar!), savory (soy!), and spicy (red peppers and spices!), whether you use it for dipping, drizzling, marinading, or stir frying. Yeah, it's amazing on dumplings and wontons, but consider the possibilities: zhuzhing up a bowl of ramen, whisking into a salad (gasp) spicing up a bowl of ice cream? A hardshell suitcase (available in carry-on and check sizes) with a *trunk*-style top opening instead of the classic clamshell, so you can access what's inside your suitcase without taking twice as much space. Raise your hand if you've found it impossible to balance your open suitcase on a flimsy luggage rack in a cramped hotel room. 🙋♀️ Plus, the single opening is also good for fitting deeper packing cubes or bulky items! A set of Wobble Wedges designed to effortlessly fix uneven furniture (or even toilets) — they're made out of a flexible gel you can stack to the right height and easily trim with a knife or scissors for the perfect fit. But that's not all — reviewers carry a pack around with them to quickly stabilize wobbly restaurant tables. E.l.f.'s "No Budge" retractable eyeliner, which has the same smudge-resistant longwear ingredient as expensive gel eyeliners from brands like Rare Beauty and Makeup Forever. And for just *$5* a pop! Reviewers love the creamy formula that gliiiiides across delicate skin around the eyes and dries down after 30 seconds for all-day wear, even through heat and humidity. The Fisher-Price DJ table(!!) to encourage the tot in your life to practice making sick beats. It has built-in piano keys, lights, slides and switches, and over 100 different songs, sounds, and phrases. And before you ask: yes, there is a record they can spin, and it has a puppy wearing headphones *and* the alphabet on it. Dae's Hair Cactus Fruit 3-In-1 Styling Cream & Taming Wand, which makes smoothing down flyaways for sleeeeeeeek hairstyles a breeze, thanks to the (super-soft!) built-in brush — kind of like an oversized mascara wand. The formula is packed with moisturizing ingredients that help fight frizz without that greasy look. And the small size and mess-free applicator mean it's perfect for tossing in your purse for big events or keeping in your toiletry bag for travel! A retractable remote control tether for anyone who just wants to sit down and watch their favorite comfort show, prestige drama, or true crime having to launch their *own* investigation into the Mystery Of Who Hid The Clicker. It's not as much fun without Keith Morrison narrating anyway. You can attach it to any flat surface (using the included adhesive pad), and the tether stretches up to 7.5 feet, so it's great to keep on your coffee table or sofa end table! Maybelline Superfluff Volumizing Brow Mousse if you're looking for fuller, fluffier brows without a four-step routine or wielding a pencil to painstakingly draw on individual hairs. Reviewers love the "natural," "soft" fullness it provides with minimal effort or makeup skills required. Philips "Warm Glow Effect" soft white lightbulbs — they're the lightbulbs Nancy Meyers' daughter recommends, apparently — if you hate stark, cold lighting. These provide a warm, cozy vibe in your space that mimics the incandescent bulbs of our retains all the long-lasting convenience and energy efficiency of LED. RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Vitamin C Eye Balm — it's going viral for how well it moisturizes the under-eyes, especially before concealer to prevent cakiness or settling into fine lines. Plus, the skincare ingredients (the namesake vitamin C and peptides) can help brighten and firm the delicate skin under your eyes. And you can't beat the easy-to-apply stick — just swipe it on! A Dazzle Dry starter kit — if you haven't seen the TikToks, it's a fast-drying, non-gel (that means no curing!) nail system that can last up to two weeks with no chipping. And it works. It does have four steps, but each step dries so if you're someone who likes getting their nails done quickly (and wants them to last), this is an amazing system. Oxo's compact Cold Brew Rapid Brewer capable of making concentrated coffee in minutes (hot in two minutes, iced in just five) — without any electricity, paper filters, or magic. Just dilute however you'd like with water or milk and enjoy! You can even use the results on ice cream (affogatos are delicious) or in a delicious coffee cocktail. K-Beauty fan fave, Mixsoon's Bean Essence that's a multitasking marvel: you can use it as a super gentle exfoliating essence (massage it in for a few minutes and wipe it off) or a hydrating essence (just pat it in). The fermented soybean and pomegranate, plus hyaluronic acid, can help your skin feel smoother and appear ✨luminous.✨ Reviewers are noticing seriously glowy, bouncy results! A shower lamp. Yep, you read that right! Keep it in your bathroom for ~mood lighting~ so you don't have to turn on the Big Light — it'll make those early morning showers less brutally bright *and* make those bedtime showers extra relaxing. A Birria Bomb that'll make dinner prep feel more like a spa day. in all seriousness, these chili-, herb-, and spice-packed balls are designed to impart rich flavor with minimal effort on your part — just combine water and the meat of your choosing, add the bomb, and cook in your pressure cooker, slow cooker, or right on the stovetop. Taco night is served! Lululemon's Daydrift trousers, which have all the chicness of tailored, wide-leg trousers (cough, Aritzia effortless pants, cough) but — gasp — are actually made of a sweat-wicking, four-way stretch material (including at the waist 🥹), so you have all the comfort of leggings but the look of actual, on-trend pants for a put-together look that's work or event-ready. And yep, that means they're perfect for travel too. A First Alert carbon monoxide detector for a little extra peace of mind when you're traveling and staying in Airbnb or hotels that may not have detectors installed. It's compact to fit neatly in your carry-on or suitcase and entirely battery-operated, so you don't need to worry about finding a free or compatible outlet. A Turmeric Overnight Wrapping Peel Off Mask (from viral K-Beauty brand Medicube) — it's packed with vitamin C, kojic acid and collagen, plus the namesake turmeric, to brighten and even your skin while you get a solid night of beauty sleep. And maybe the best part: you get to peeeeeeeel it off in the morning; very satisfying. The term "morning shed" just literal. My First Tumbler, a silicone 9-ounce tumbler for any tots who are wanting a Stanley of their can't wield one yet. These are super lightweight, have an easy-to-grip handle, are 100% dishwasher safe, aaaaand leak-resistant to minimize spills. Oh, and it's cute enough to quickly become their very own Emotional Support Water Bottle. A set of hair-tie bracelets if you want to always be ponytail-ready (especially during the upcoming summer months) without having a boring black elastic on your wrist at all times. These'll blend a little bit better with your go-to bracelet stack so you can enjoy all the convenience of a hairdo transformation without impacting the aesthetics of your 'fit. A miniature bookshelf stress toy — you shake it up, then place all (200!) of the itty bitty books back on the shake it up and do it all over again! The books are real, so you can organize by title by author, even by the color of the cover! As one reviewer says, "It's like a more elite stress ball." Laneige's Neo Blurring Powder if you're looking for a mattifying option that still leaves your skin ~radiant~. This K-beauty innovation sets makeup, absorbs oil, and blurs and smooths the appearance of skin so your makeup looks flawless all magic wand required. And btw, the packaging is magic, too — there's silicone mesh across the top for easy application without a powdery mess. A creepy-but-cool remote-controlled gecko — and, yes it ACTUALLY climbs up walls and across floors! It can be controlled from up to 25 feet away, so definitely be prepared for a prank or two coming your way. Did I mention its eyes also glow? I'm scared, but also impressed. Gold Bond's firming neck and chest cream — it's not only your face that deserves a skincare routine! This is formulated with salicylic acid for chemically exfoliating that delicate skin (without harsh scrubbing) plus glycerine and aloe for plenty of hydration. Reviewers are surprised at the results they get but note that it does take time. So don't forget to take a before photo, and get to slathering! Skala's Mais Cacho Hair Conditioning Treatment, a two-in-one you can use as deep conditioner you can rinse out in the shower *and/or* as a leave-in to help moisturize, detangle, and strengthen your hair. Reviewers love the soft, defined curls they're left with that last for days — and the delicious scent is a bonus. This is from a Brazilian haircare brand, btw! A cool under-the-cabinet banana hanger (seriously, how smart is this though), to free up your precious counter space for prep work *and* keep your bananas at eye height so you might actually, well, eat one before they get overripe and you have no choice but to make yet another batch of banana bread. Peach Slices Smoothing Solution Ingrown Hair Treatment in a genius roll-on design perfect for mess-free application post-hair removal. The formula is chock-full of chemical exfoliants (AHA, BHA, and PHA), which can help prevent ingrown hairs and bumps, plus brightening ingredients like niacinamide and licorice extract which can help banish dark spots from previous ingrowns.
Buzz Feed
2 days ago
- Buzz Feed
30 Summer Products To Stay Cool And Keep AC Bills Low
A set of blackout curtains that'll block out between 85% to 99% of light so your bedroom feels like the coziest cave when you want to hide away from the world (and, you know, sleep in for once). They also have an insulating effect to help keep your room cooler in the summer! A programmable AC booster fan designed to quietly maximize airflow coming from your central HVAC system if you experience uneven cooling throughout your home. It's easily mounted onto floor or wall registers and will keep indoor temps more comfortable and balanced, lowering your energy bill as well! A soundproofing strip that can prevent cold air from escaping under your door, saving you $$$ on summer AC bills! Another big benefit: It'll help muffle the distracting sounds of car horns or your neighbor's loud music while working from home. And a three-layer door stopper you can install (and by "install," we mean peel and stick!) underneath your door if there's a pesky gap letting out your cold air (or letting *in* those creepy crawlies trying to escape the heat outside). Or a customizable option that can be cut to size and slid under your door to instantly plug any gaps. An oscillating tower fan because trying to sleep in hot, stale air is simply ✨ the worst ✨. This bladeless fan cools your room quietly and efficiently, with six speed options and a remote, so you don't even have to leave your bed to adjust. It's perfect if you plan on basically hibernating until fall. Or an even cheaper three-speed fan to help circulate the air in a small room, which may be all you need to sleep better and stay cool in the summer! The head can be tilted to angle the airflow, and the small size makes it easy to move around as needed. I've used this in pretty much every room of my apartment! Or a sleek brushed copper option that'll look so cool in your workspace while also keeping YOU cool. It's USB-powered and the head tilts 100 degrees! A set of two cooling pillows if sleeping on the "cool side" is something you like to do — especially in the summer. No more flipping your pillow over constantly — reviewers say these keep you cool all night long, and they're filled with a plush gel fiber that provides just the right amount of support. If you've ever wished you could bring those fancy hotel pillows home with you can. And to pair with them (or your current pillows), a set of two cooling pillowcases made with Japanese cooling fibers designed to absorb body heat away from you as you sleep. Or a geniusly designed cervical pillow that comes with an Arc-Chill cooling pillowcase and is made of 98% breathable memory foam, so it won't feel as suffocatingly hot as most regular pillows. It's also way more ergonomic, cradling your head while maintaining the natural curve of your neck and aligning your spine — because sleep is supposed to be restful, not a painful ordeal. A pillow top cooling mattress topper designed with breathable microfiber and a down alternative filling that amplifies airflow and heat dissipation, with an *extra* fluffy topper that'll make your bed feel even comfier. It also has a deep pocket that'll fit around most mattresses and won't slide around all night! And!! A set of hotel-worthy cooling bedsheets you *won't* wake up hot and sweaty in. Silky soft and breathable, these popular sheets feel ~expensive~ but aren't, with over 270,000 (!) 5-star ratings backing up their incredible value. A heavy-duty roll of transparent weather sealing tape because that gapping around your window AC unit is likely letting out some of the precious cold air it's working so hard to put into your home. This creates an airtight, watertight seal that'll keep out the elements while retaining your cold air — an easy solution with immediately noticeable results. A set of claw clips to keep your sweaty hair off your sweaty neck, because you're hot enough as it is without your long mane making things worse. These are super cute and a step up from the messy bun you usually throw on top of your head — plus, they're thick hair–friendly! A rechargeable, hands-free personal fan that'll keep you cool as a cucumber while working from home, watching TV, doing chores, or exercising. What's neat about this one is that it's ~flexible~ so you can twist the arms around and point the fans *exactly* where you need that breeze. It has three speed settings and lasts for up to six hours on one charge! Or a versatile rechargeable handheld fan — it may be small, but it delivers a mighty powerful wind, according to reviewers. When you're *not* fanning yourself, it folds up by the handle for each storage and can prop itself up too, converting into a handy desk or nightstand fan. A refreshing ice roller to help you cool off quickly after a long, hot day outside, especially when your home is uncomfortably ~warm~. Keep it in the fridge or freezer, and take it out as needed for a chilled massage that'll feel heavenly on your overheated face. People also swear by it for relief from hot flashes, migraines, fevers, and more. And a facial cooling spray so you can spritz yourself with thermal spring water to soothe and soften your skin when you feel yourself starting to overheat. Reviewers say it works wonders for sensitive skin, sunburns, rosacea, and other irritations in need of some relief. A reusable XL gel ice pack you can stash in the freezer and then take with you to the couch or bed for some full-body cooling while you relax. It's flexible, bending to the contours of your body for all-over relief — it's especially great for muscle pains, too! And a double-sided cooling gel eye mask that'll help you drift off into blissful sleep, even when you're trying not to blast the AC. The plush side works as a gentle cool compress, and you can flip it over to the transparent side for a stronger cooling effect. Reviewers swear it's also great if you deal with eye allergies, puffiness, and headaches. A supportive U-shaped full-body pillow if you're a nighttime "pillow hugger" (same) but all that fabric pressed against your body can make you overheat in the summer. This bb has a cool-to-the-touch cover that's designed to disperse heat, a lifesaver for anyone whose pregnant or just prone to waking up in a sweat. Side sleepers, rejoice! A splurge-worthy BedJet cooling and warming system making it possible to control your bed's temperature on demand. Its powerful ventilation cooling wicks away body heat and moisture with ease, and its heating mode is just as effective, so you'll get plenty of bang for your buck year-round! Sweat-wicking pajamas for hot sleepers who are tired of waking up in a pool of sweat. This cute set is lightweight and breathable with an elastic waist. If you're not ready to strip down and sleep naked, this is the next best thing! A waffle-knit blanket made from a linen-cotton blend that's breathable, moisture-wicking, and thermoregulating to keep you from waking up overheated and sweaty. If you *need* a comforting blanket over you to fall asleep but keep kicking off your thick duvet, this is a cozy alternative you can reach for year-round! An instant cooling towel for wearing around your neck so you don't overheat, not just outdoors but even when you're at home and trying to *not* crank the AC! All you have to do is soak it in cold water and rinse — and when it eventually starts to get warmer, just rinse and repeat! A set of stackable stick-shaped ice molds because those plastic water bottles you store in the fridge seem to lose their chill *immediately* when it's this hot out. Now you can stuff these slim ice sticks through the bottle's narrow opening to enjoy ice-old water to your heart's content — whether that's guzzling it or just rubbing the bottle all over to cool your body. A cold brew coffee maker so you can drink coffee the way you like it in the summer (COLD) without having to brave the heat and drop some cash on a Starbucks trip. This handy container has a leakproof lid and stainless-steel filter that'll keep your coffee fresh — reviewers say a batch can last them up to a week! And the mason jar aesthetic = timeless. A sleek Nuwave Brio 8-quart air fryer for days when standing over the hot stove is gonna be a big "NOPE" from you (but you still want a yummy meal for dinner). It'll keep the kitchen cool and your belly filled — a win-win. A magnetic screen door to keep air circulating and take advantage of cooler summer evenings without mosquitoes, gnats, and flies taking it as an invitation to enter your home. It also lets pets go in and out without pawing at the door every half hour, closing automatically behind them thanks to the magnetism.
