Latest news with #LouisZamperini
Wall Street Journal
18-05-2025
- General
- Wall Street Journal
Flying in a B-24 Liberator Was Risky Business
I have always enjoyed Bob Greene's op-eds in the Journal, but I was especially attracted to 'The U.S. Once Built Airplanes Quickly' (May 14) since my father was a B-24 Liberator pilot in the South Pacific during World War II. As A.J. Baime's excellent book 'The Arsenal of Democracy' (2014) confirms, Ford Motor Co. accomplished the remarkable achievement of manufacturing B-24s at a rate of just under one per hour by the end of the war. Much credit must be given to Henry Ford's son, Edsel, for obtaining the government contract and battling internal company resistance. Yet like the B-29 Superfortresses that followed the B-24s, not all was perfect in the rush to get these complicated aircraft into combat service quickly. Many crews suffered the consequences of the hurried war-time design and production schedules undertaken. Louis Zamperini of 'Unbroken' fame experienced this firsthand on his final B-24 mission to rescue a crew that had crashed in the Pacific—only to experience and barely survive a second crash himself in the rescue effort. Crews dubbed the B-24s 'Flying Coffins' thanks to the various mechanical issues they experienced. The older and less complex B-17 Flying Fortress had been in production much longer and enjoyed a better reliability record—so much so that Eighth Air Force Gen. James Doolittle replaced B-24 squadrons with B-17s, even though the more modern B-24s had greater range and carried more bombs. Thus while the B-24s became the most produced bomber aircraft in the war, it wasn't without some bitter consequences for those who flew in them. Rod Essen La Canada, Calif.
News18
15-05-2025
- General
- News18
International Day Of Families 2025: Wishes, Quotes, History And Significance
Last Updated: International Day of Families 2025: The day seeks to raise global awareness about the challenges families face and promote initiatives that support their well-being, International Day Of Families 2025: Observed every year on May 15, International Day Of Families was established by the United Nations General Assembly to recognise family's pivotal role as the cornerstone of society. The day also seeks to raise global awareness about the challenges families face and promote initiatives that support their well-being and development. International Day of Families 2025: History The International Day of Families was officially declared by the United Nations in 1994, following a series of resolutions aimed at supporting the social and economic well-being of families worldwide. The groundwork for this observance was laid in December 1989, when the UN adopted Resolution 44/82, highlighting the importance of family stability. This commitment was further reinforced by Resolution 46/92 in December 1991, which emphasised the need to address the changing social and economic structures impacting families globally. Finally, on September 20, 1993, the General Assembly adopted Resolution A/RES/47/237, formally designating May 15 as the International Day of Families. The day serves to raise awareness of family-related issues and to celebrate the vital role families play in building cohesive, supportive, and resilient communities. International Day of Families 2025: Significance This day emphasises the importance of families in creating a supportive and nurturing environment for all members. It serves as a platform to address the social, economic, and demographic challenges that families face globally, promoting the idea that strong families contribute to healthier and more sustainable communities. International Day of Families 2025: Wishes International Day of Families 2025: Quotes 'The world, we'd discovered, doesn't love you like your family loves you."– Louis Zamperini. 'No man has ever lived that had enough of children's gratitude or woman's love."– William Butler Yeats 'Family means no one gets left behind or forgotten."– David Ogden Stiers. 'Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city."– George Burns. 'Other things may change us, but we start and end with the family.– Anthony Brandt. 'What can you do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family."– Mother Teresa. 'Our most basic instinct is not for survival but for family."– Peter Pearsall. 'There's nothing that makes you more insane than family."– Jim Butcher. 'Rejoice with your family in the beautiful land of life!"– Albert Einstein 'Family and friends are hidden treasures, seek them and enjoy their riches."– Wanda Hope Carter. Family – the heart of every happy life. Happy International Day of Families! Blessed to have a family that loves unconditionally. Families are the roots of love and the wings of dreams. Home is where my family is. Happy International Day of Families! #FamilyFirst Celebrating the beautiful chaos that is family. Family – my first love, my forever strength. Happy International Day of Families! Strong families build a strong world. A house is made of walls, a home is made of love. Together is our favourite place to be. Celebrating the people who make life truly worthwhile. Happy International Day of Families! Family: my first team, my forever strength. Here's to the little moments, big memories, and the people who make it all beautiful. Happy Family Day! Today, I pause to honour the love, laughter, and lessons my family has gifted me. Family is where life begins and where love never ends. Happy International Day of Families! The only place where life truly makes sense – is in the arms of family. #ForeverGrateful Cherishing the unbreakable bonds that hold us steady through every twist and turn. To the ones who walk with us through every season of life – this day is for you. Because of them, I never walk alone. Happy International Day of Families! To the people who make every day brighter and every burden lighter – thank you, family. Watch CNN-News18 here. The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : International Day of Families lifestyle Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: May 15, 2025, 07:00 IST News lifestyle International Day Of Families 2025: Wishes, Quotes, History And Significance
Irish Daily Mirror
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
'Exceptional' war film directed by A-lister and everyone needs to watch
Cinema buffs have been praising Angelina Jolie's 2014 film, Unbroken, since its release, and they're gobsmacked to discover that the Hollywood icon directed it. Unbroken is an Oscar-nominated cinematic gem that brings to life the true tale of a World War II legend. With Jack O'Connell taking the lead in his major breakout performance and under Jolie's direction, it's hardly shocking that people are 'highly recommending' this flick. According to one critic on Rotten Tomatoes: "This film is as accurate and immersive as a historical film can get. Angelina Jolie did a fantastic job both casting and directing this film. Everything from the acting to the sets is absolutely phenomenal!". The movie chronicles the resilient saga of Louis Zamperini, a former American Olympian turned lieutenant in the United States Army Air Forces. The storyline follows him as he survives a harrowing plane crash into the sea, where he and two crew members are marooned on a raft for an excruciating 47 days. After an arduous ordeal, Zamperini ends up on the Japanese Marshall Islands and is captured, becoming a prisoner of war. Throughout his captivity, the former athlete withstands forced labour and brutal beatings at a camp until the end of the war, lasting nearly two years, reports the Express. One person said: "Unbroken is a captivating film that masterfully depicts the physical torture endured by its characters while also delving into the psychological toll of their experiences. The acting is exceptional, and the movie strikes a powerful balance between brutality and resilience." Louis Zamperini himself was involved in the production of 'Unbroken' before he passed away in 2014 at the age of 97, just a few months shy of the film's premiere. The following year, it went on to bag three Academy Award nods for its standout cinematography, sound editing, and sound mixing. "It's an intriguing take on a war story, and one I find myself returning to again and again. A solid film that I'd highly recommend to anyone who appreciates war dramas with depth," touted another satisfied movie-goer. With the famous Angelina Jolie at the helm, expectations were sky-high for the film to perform well, especially as she had only stepped into the director's shoes a few years earlier. "I would've never guessed that Angelina Jolie did directing work either!" exclaimed someone, praising her efforts by adding "She did a terrific job!". The shining light in 'Unbroken', however, is Jack O'Connell, who takes on the role of Louis Zamperini. His portrayal has been hailed as a "powerful performance" by fans, and his stellar acting nabbed him the 'New Hollywood Award' at the Hollywood Film Awards, propelling him forward as a front-runner in the acting world. A touched telly fan shared: "What a powerful true story of perseverance in the face of seemingly impossible obstacles and abuse. Seeing this reminded me how good I have it in my life and how I have no room to complain about anything." Unbroken can be rented on both Amazon Prime and Apple TV.
