Latest news with #D-DAY
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Hegseth Uses D-Day as an Excuse for PT on His B-Day
Pete Hegseth didn't let the 81st anniversary of the D-Day landings in France stop him from indulging in a little birthday treat. Before the official commemorations honoring the day Allied forces stormed Nazi-occupied beaches, the defense secretary opted for a personal training (PT) session with service members on Omaha Beach. Hegseth, who turned 45 on Friday, posted a video on X showing himself leading a workout drill alongside multiple military personnel where they carried one of their own on a stretcher. 'I had the privilege of doing PT at Omaha Beach, where so many made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms,' Hegseth wrote. 'We will never forget D-DAY.' Unlike frequent uniformed cosplay enthusiast Kristi Noem, Hegseth does actually have some military experience to justify his workout. He served as an infantry officer in the Army National Guard with active-duty deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. Whether that résumé alone was enough to justify his elevation to head of the Pentagon remains a hot debate. His confirmation hearing drew sharp criticism over his qualifications, not to mention a trail of damning allegations about his drinking and personal conduct. Friday's D-Day events marked the sacrifices of the thousands who died during the massive 1944 Allied assault on France's coast. The all out attack featuring the largest-ever armada of troops, troops, and planes played a pivotal role in turning the tide against the Nazis and liberating Europe in World War II. After his PT session, Hegseth delivered a speech at the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer. Hegseth paid his respects to those who died 81 years ago, as well as proclaim that the world is a 'better place when Europe and America are strong, free and independent.' 'Our nations together have endured a bond, intertwined by history, and we share this hallowed ground beneath our feet, dedicated and consecrated by the blood of our heroes,' Hegseth said. 'It is truly one of the honors of a lifetime to commemorate the sacrifices of D-Day and celebrate the freedoms of our two nations,' he added. 'God bless you all, and may God bless our warriors.'


Pink Villa
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
BTS' Suga's D-2 becomes album by K-pop soloist with most No 1 spots on Apple Music, ARMY responds, ‘Well deserved Agust D'
'Future's gonna be okay' — a phrase that resonates deeply with every BTS ARMY, especially those who hold SUGA close to heart. On May 23, those words feel even more true because there's some incredible news worth celebrating. BTS' SUGA, also known by his alter ego/stage name Agust D, has just achieved a historic milestone. His second mixtape album, D-2, now holds the record as the K-pop soloist album with the most number-one rankings on Apple Music. The album has claimed the top spot in over 48 countries on the platform, marking a monumental achievement not just for SUGA but for K-pop soloists as a whole. What makes this even crazier? SUGA's not just holding the top spot — he's got the second one too. His debut studio album D-DAY, the final piece of his mixtape trilogy, has snagged around 43 #1s on Apple Music, coming in just behind D-2. Like, legendary behavior. Fans are losing it, the love, the pride, the pure emotional chaos on the timeline is real. BTS ARMY and Suga Bias' are flooding the comments with everything from 'King things only' to 'This man carried the genre.' Some are calling D-DAY a straight-up 10-track masterpiece, while others are still in awe of how D-2 dropped out of nowhere, no promos, no physical albums, pre-Dynamite era — and still shook the whole scene. It didn't just make noise, it set the standard. K-soloists really got a blueprint thanks to Agust D. For those unfamiliar with his solo journey, SUGA released his first mixtape, Agust D in 2016, which quickly gained attention for its fearless expression and lyrical depth. In 2020, he followed it up with D-2, led by the powerful title track Daechwita. Then, in 2023, he completed his trilogy with D-DAY, featuring the track Haegum and showcasing a more mature and introspective sound. As for his current status, SUGA is still fulfilling his mandatory military service. Due to a previous shoulder injury, he is serving in an alternative capacity and is expected to be discharged on June 21, 2025. He will be the last BTS member to complete his enlistment, closing another chapter for the group before they reunite. Through all of this, one thing remains clear: SUGA's artistry, impact, and dedication continue to shine. His fans are not only proud of the numbers, but of the journey he's taken to get there.


Scottish Sun
03-05-2025
- General
- Scottish Sun
‘It felt like freedom… it was a party like no other' – three remarkable women share their memories of VE Day 80 years on
Scroll down to read the stories of a D-Day heroine, a naval officer and an evacuee HOME FREE 'It felt like freedom… it was a party like no other' – three remarkable women share their memories of VE Day 80 years on AS news broke that peace had been declared on May 8, 1945, the people of Britain spontaneously took to the streets for the biggest party the country had ever seen. And on Thursday, we will mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, when Nazi Germany formally surrendered. Advertisement 7 Jubilant Brits celebrate in the streets on VE Day in 1945 Credit: Alamy In a radio broadcast, then PM Winston Churchill said: 'We may allow ourselves a brief period of rejoicing.' Thousands flocked to the streets of London, waving Union Flags and singing patriotic songs. King George VI, accompanied by his daughters, Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret, appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to the delight of the cheering crowds. Today, we share the recollections of three remarkable women who were part of that momentous day eight decades ago. Advertisement THE D-DAY HEROINE AFTER proudly shaping history from a secret bunker in Portsmouth during the war, Marie Scott couldn't wait to join the excited VE Day throng in London. She had been serving her country as a Royal Navy signaller, but was given special leave to travel to the capital for the extraordinary day of celebrations. 7 Marie Scott served her country as a Royal Navy signaller and was based in a bunker at Portsmouth Credit: Dan Charity 7 Marie, now 98, of New Malden, Surrey, fondly recalls the atmosphere in London on VE Day Credit: Dan Charity Advertisement Marie, now 98, of New Malden, Surrey, fondly recalls the atmosphere. She said: 'London was manic, everybody was absolutely overjoyed, kissing and embracing. 'And if they saw you in a uniform — as I was — you were assailed by kisses and embraces for hours. 'Some of the kisses were repulsive, others not too bad. Advertisement Brits to get Bank Holiday bonanza this year to celebrate VE Day with star-studded concert, flypast & 4 days of events 'People had queued down the Mall and all the spots where they'd see the Royal Family or notables or celebrities. 'I remember, and I remember it well.' After the war ended, Marie went on to work as a secretary, married Maurice, an accountant, and they had daughters Gill, 66, and Cari, 64. She will be commemorating the fallen alongside other veterans at Westminster Abbey on Thursday. Advertisement Marie believes it is vital to keep memories of VE Day alive. She said: 'The veterans are becoming quite rare now. 'We're all dropping off the perch and, within a foreseeable future, there will be nobody left to talk about their participation in World War Two. 'We fought for a just cause. Advertisement 'Millions died and all that sacrifice should be honoured and respected.' Marie, who was 18 on VE Day, added: 'It really was the best night of my life. 'A lot of time has passed, but I remember it still so clearly. 'It was full of relief, joy and happiness.' Advertisement I don't remember if we observed the 10pm curfew, I just remember the noise. It felt like was a party like no other Jean Green THE NAVAL OFFICER JEAN GREEN and her pals partied well into the night as revellers rejoiced over the end of the conflict. Now 102, she vividly recalls the moment she heard that peace had been declared while serving at the Royal Naval Air Station at Eastleigh, Hants, then known as HMS Raven. 7 Jean Green, 102, pictured with John Eskdale, and her pals partied well into the night as revellers rejoiced over the end of the conflict Credit: Huw Evans 7 Jean vividly recalls the moment she heard that peace had been declared while serving at HMS Raven Credit: Supplied Advertisement Jean said: 'The news went round so fast and there was such a hum of excitement. 'Lots of us were given the day off, so we all headed to London. 'The train station was packed, but the atmosphere was amazing. 'I don't remember whether we observed our usual 10pm curfew that night, but I very much doubt it. Advertisement 'I remember the noise and how happy everyone was. 'It felt like freedom, it was a celebration like no other.' But while Jean, from Norwich, reflects on the celebrations fondly, victory in Europe also meant a sad end to her military service. Jean, who looked after the conscripts' rations in the regulating office, said: 'The women I shared a cabin with became some of my best friends. Advertisement 'We'd spent three years living together in a tiny space and working together, and became so close. 'Knowing we all had to go back home to our lives was tinged with sadness. 'We kept in touch but it was never the same. 'I was delighted the war ended, but it marked the end of a part of my life which I loved.' Advertisement After the war, Jean married Bill, an airman she met while serving, and became a full-time mum to their children, Colin and Geraldine. She will be celebrating VE Day quietly at home. THE EVACUEE EVACUEE Doreen Simson, 87, still treasures happy memories of being reunited with her family for VE Day. As a little girl, she had been dispatched to rural Wales from her home in London to keep her safe from bombs blitzing the capital. Advertisement 7 Evacuee Doreen Simson, 87, still treasures happy memories of being reunited with her family for VE Day Credit: Arthur Edwards / The Sun 7 A young evacuee Doreen, circled, at a kids' street party Credit: Arthur Edwards / The Sun She said: 'I came back to London and everybody was dressed up. 'I remember that day — it was lovely.' Advertisement A former florist from Crawley, West Sussex, Doreen went on to marry Brian, a TV engineer. They had a son, Lee, 64. She will be attending the special anniversary concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London on Thursday. And she agrees that it is important to mark this historic occasion. Advertisement Reflecting on how children faced living with strangers to avoid the devastation of the war, she said: 'People forget what us evacuees gave up. 'I was crying because my brother and I had been parted. 'Could you imagine it now? No vetting. 'You're going away to catch a train. Advertisement 'Four years old, label on coat, teddy bear under arm, crying parents, screaming children. 'Strange place, strange people. 'Where's my mum? Where's my dad?'. 'The tears still flow remembering that day they took me away on a train.' But she said of the household that took her in: 'This little cockney Londoner stayed nearly four years with them. Advertisement 'It changed my life. 'When I came back, I spoke nicely — soon lost it, though. 'My life has been enriched by the lady that took me. 'It just makes me so emotional, still.'


The Irish Sun
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘It felt like freedom… it was a party like no other' – three remarkable women share their memories of VE Day 80 years on
AS news broke that peace had been declared on May 8, 1945, the people of Britain spontaneously took to the streets for the biggest party the country had ever seen. And on Thursday, we will mark the Advertisement 7 Jubilant Brits celebrate in the streets on VE Day in 1945 Credit: Alamy In a radio broadcast, then PM Winston Churchill said: 'We may allow ourselves a brief period of rejoicing.' Thousands flocked to the streets of London, waving Union Flags and singing patriotic songs. Today, we share the recollections of three remarkable women who were part of that momentous day eight decades ago. Advertisement Read More on UK News THE D-DAY HEROINE AFTER proudly shaping history from a secret bunker in Portsmouth during the war, Marie Scott couldn't wait to join the excited VE Day throng in London. She had been serving her country as a Royal Navy signaller, but was given special leave to travel to the capital for the extraordinary day of celebrations. 7 Marie Scott served her country as a Royal Navy signaller and was based in a bunker at Portsmouth Credit: Dan Charity 7 Marie, now 98, of New Malden, Surrey, fondly recalls the atmosphere in London on VE Day Credit: Dan Charity Advertisement Marie, now 98, of New Malden, Surrey, fondly recalls the atmosphere. She said: 'London was manic, everybody was absolutely overjoyed, kissing and embracing. Most read in The Sun 'And if they saw you in a uniform — as I was — you were assailed by kisses and embraces for hours. 'Some of the kisses were repulsive, others not too bad. Advertisement Brits to get Bank Holiday bonanza this year to celebrate VE Day with star-studded concert, flypast & 4 days of events 'People had queued down the Mall and all the spots where they'd see the Royal Family or notables or celebrities. 'I remember, and I remember it well.' After the war ended, Marie went on to work as a secretary, married Maurice, an accountant, and they had daughters Gill, 66, and Cari, 64. She will be commemorating the fallen alongside other veterans at Advertisement Marie believes it is vital to keep memories of VE Day alive. She said: 'The veterans are becoming quite rare now. 'We're all dropping off the perch and, within a foreseeable future, there will be nobody left to talk about their participation in World War Two. 'We fought for a just cause. Advertisement 'Millions died and all that sacrifice should be honoured and respected.' Marie, who was 18 on VE Day, added: 'It really was the best night of my life. 'A lot of time has passed, but I remember it still so clearly. 'It was full of relief, joy and happiness.' Advertisement I don't remember if we observed the 10pm curfew, I just remember the noise. It felt like was a party like no other Jean Green THE NAVAL OFFICER JEAN GREEN and her pals partied well into the night as revellers rejoiced over the end of the conflict. Now 102, she vividly recalls the moment she heard that peace had been declared while serving at the Royal Naval Air Station at Eastleigh, Hants, then known as HMS Raven. 7 Jean Green, 102, pictured with John Eskdale, and her pals partied well into the night as revellers rejoiced over the end of the conflict Credit: Huw Evans 7 Jean vividly recalls the moment she heard that peace had been declared while serving at HMS Raven Credit: Supplied Advertisement Jean said: 'The news went round so fast and there was such a hum of excitement. 'Lots of us were given the day off, so we all headed to London. 'The train station was packed, but the atmosphere was amazing. 'I don't remember whether we observed our usual 10pm curfew that night, but I very much doubt it. Advertisement 'I remember the noise and how happy everyone was. 'It felt like freedom, it was a celebration like no other.' But while Jean, from Norwich, reflects on the celebrations fondly, victory in Europe also meant a sad end to her military service. Jean, who looked after the conscripts' rations in the regulating office, said: 'The women I shared a cabin with became some of my best friends. Advertisement 'We'd spent three years living together in a tiny space and working together, and became so close. 'Knowing we all had to go back home to our lives was tinged with sadness. 'We kept in touch but it was never the same. 'I was delighted the war ended, but it marked the end of a part of my life which I loved.' Advertisement After the war, Jean married Bill, an airman she met while serving, and became a full-time mum to their children, Colin and Geraldine. She will be celebrating THE EVACUEE EVACUEE Doreen Simson, 87, still treasures happy memories of being reunited with her family for As a little girl, she had been dispatched to rural Wales from her home in London to keep her safe from bombs blitzing the capital. Advertisement 7 Evacuee Doreen Simson, 87, still treasures happy memories of being reunited with her family for VE Day Credit: Arthur Edwards / The Sun 7 A young evacuee Doreen, circled, at a kids' street party Credit: Arthur Edwards / The Sun She said: 'I came back to London and everybody was dressed up. 'I remember that day — it was lovely.' Advertisement A former florist from Crawley, West Sussex, Doreen went on to marry Brian, a TV engineer. They had a son, Lee, 64. She will be attending the special anniversary concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London on Thursday. And she agrees that it is important to mark this historic occasion. Advertisement Reflecting on how children faced living with strangers to avoid the devastation of the war, she said: 'People forget what us evacuees gave up. 'I was crying because my brother and I had been parted. 'Could you imagine it now? No vetting. 'You're going away to catch a train. Advertisement 'Four years old, label on coat, teddy bear under arm, crying parents, screaming children. 'Strange place, strange people. 'Where's my mum? Where's my dad?'. 'The tears still flow remembering that day they took me away on a train.' But she said of the household that took her in: 'This little cockney Londoner stayed nearly four years with them. Advertisement 'It changed my life. 'When I came back, I spoke nicely — soon lost it, though. 'My life has been enriched by the lady that took me. 'It just makes me so emotional, still.' Advertisement


The Sun
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
‘It felt like freedom… it was a party like no other' – three remarkable women share their memories of VE Day 80 years on
AS news broke that peace had been declared on May 8, 1945, the people of Britain spontaneously took to the streets for the biggest party the country had ever seen. And on Thursday, we will mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, when Nazi Germany formally surrendered. In a radio broadcast, then PM Winston Churchill said: 'We may allow ourselves a brief period of rejoicing.' Thousands flocked to the streets of London, waving Union Flags and singing patriotic songs. King George VI, accompanied by his daughters, Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret, appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to the delight of the cheering crowds. Today, we share the recollections of three remarkable women who were part of that momentous day eight decades ago. THE D-DAY HEROINE AFTER proudly shaping history from a secret bunker in Portsmouth during the war, Marie Scott couldn't wait to join the excited VE Day throng in London. She had been serving her country as a Royal Navy signaller, but was given special leave to travel to the capital for the extraordinary day of celebrations. 7 7 Marie, now 98, of New Malden, Surrey, fondly recalls the atmosphere. She said: 'London was manic, everybody was absolutely overjoyed, kissing and embracing. 'And if they saw you in a uniform — as I was — you were assailed by kisses and embraces for hours. 'Some of the kisses were repulsive, others not too bad. Brits to get Bank Holiday bonanza this year to celebrate VE Day with star-studded concert, flypast & 4 days of events 'People had queued down the Mall and all the spots where they'd see the Royal Family or notables or celebrities. 'I remember, and I remember it well.' After the war ended, Marie went on to work as a secretary, married Maurice, an accountant, and they had daughters Gill, 66, and Cari, 64. She will be commemorating the fallen alongside other veterans at Westminster Abbey on Thursday. Marie believes it is vital to keep memories of VE Day alive. She said: 'The veterans are becoming quite rare now. 'We're all dropping off the perch and, within a foreseeable future, there will be nobody left to talk about their participation in World War Two. 'We fought for a just cause. 'Millions died and all that sacrifice should be honoured and respected.' Marie, who was 18 on VE Day, added: 'It really was the best night of my life. 'A lot of time has passed, but I remember it still so clearly. 'It was full of relief, joy and happiness.' I don't remember if we observed the 10pm curfew, I just remember the noise. It felt like was a party like no other Jean Green THE NAVAL OFFICER JEAN GREEN and her pals partied well into the night as revellers rejoiced over the end of the conflict. Now 102, she vividly recalls the moment she heard that peace had been declared while serving at the Royal Naval Air Station at Eastleigh, Hants, then known as HMS Raven. 7 Jean said: 'The news went round so fast and there was such a hum of excitement. 'Lots of us were given the day off, so we all headed to London. 'The train station was packed, but the atmosphere was amazing. 'I don't remember whether we observed our usual 10pm curfew that night, but I very much doubt it. 'I remember the noise and how happy everyone was. 'It felt like freedom, it was a celebration like no other.' But while Jean, from Norwich, reflects on the celebrations fondly, victory in Europe also meant a sad end to her military service. Jean, who looked after the conscripts' rations in the regulating office, said: 'The women I shared a cabin with became some of my best friends. 'We'd spent three years living together in a tiny space and working together, and became so close. 'Knowing we all had to go back home to our lives was tinged with sadness. 'We kept in touch but it was never the same. 'I was delighted the war ended, but it marked the end of a part of my life which I loved.' After the war, Jean married Bill, an airman she met while serving, and became a full-time mum to their children, Colin and Geraldine. She will be celebrating VE Day quietly at home. THE EVACUEE EVACUEE Doreen Simson, 87, still treasures happy memories of being reunited with her family for VE Day. As a little girl, she had been dispatched to rural Wales from her home in London to keep her safe from bombs blitzing the capital. 7 7 She said: 'I came back to London and everybody was dressed up. 'I remember that day — it was lovely.' A former florist from Crawley, West Sussex, Doreen went on to marry Brian, a TV engineer. They had a son, Lee, 64. She will be attending the special anniversary concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London on Thursday. And she agrees that it is important to mark this historic occasion. Reflecting on how children faced living with strangers to avoid the devastation of the war, she said: 'People forget what us evacuees gave up. 'I was crying because my brother and I had been parted. 'Could you imagine it now? No vetting. 'You're going away to catch a train. 'Four years old, label on coat, teddy bear under arm, crying parents, screaming children. 'Strange place, strange people. 'Where's my mum? Where's my dad?'. 'The tears still flow remembering that day they took me away on a train.' But she said of the household that took her in: 'This little cockney Londoner stayed nearly four years with them. 'It changed my life. 'When I came back, I spoke nicely — soon lost it, though. 'My life has been enriched by the lady that took me. 'It just makes me so emotional, still.'