Latest news with #WWII
Axios
6 hours ago
- General
- Axios
WWII Museum at 25: Honoring stories before they're lost
The National WWII Museum is marking its 25th anniversary in the coming days by honoring the people who can still share firsthand stories of the war that shaped the modern world. Why it matters: The New Orleans museum will welcome back WWII veterans and Holocaust survivors, whose numbers are dwindling as the years pass. The big picture: The museum hosts several events during the next week in honor of the anniversary, including: The 2025 American Spirit Awards gala Friday night. A remembrance gathering at 6:30am June 6 to mark the moment the invasion of Normandy began. "The Eyes of the World" multimedia concert at The Orpheum on June 6. (Tickets) Dinner with a curator to discuss WWII-era New Orleans. A luminaria display on the museum grounds to honor the 2,510 Americans who died on D-Day. Full list of events. Catch up quick: The venue opened 25 years ago as The National D-Day Museum. It was housed in a single exhibition hall and dedicated to telling the stories of the Americans who participated in the amphibious invasion. Fun fact: The Higgins boats used on D-Day were designed and built in New Orleans. Fewer than 10 original boats remain in existence. President Dwight D. Eisenhower called Andrew Higgins "the man who won the war for us" thanks to his namesake landing craft. State of play: Today, the museum spans seven pavilions and has immersive exhibits and an expansive collection of artifacts. Museum staff say it's critical to collect the oral history from veterans, as fewer than half of a percent of the 16.4 million Americans who served are still living. About 300 Louisiana WWII veterans were alive last year, compared with about 1,150 the year before, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. "We have the enormous responsibility to ensure that the memories and experiences of the war will not be lost as those who lived through it leave this world," said Stephen J. Watson, president and CEO of the museum, in a statement.
The Independent
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Secret network of spy tunnels to open as London's newest tourist attraction
A secret underground network of London World War II tunnels that inspired the James Bond books is set to turn into a brand-new spy museum, with new details now revealed. The capital is set to gain a new visitor attraction hidden in plain sight 40 metres below High Holborn, as the tunnels will now become open to the public after being kept in relative secrecy for nearly 70 years under the Official Secrets Act. The London Tunnels, the company that looks after this underground labyrinth, has recently announced a collaboration with the Museum of Military Intelligence (MMI) on the project, two years after the plans were first announced. The below street-level network is known as the Kinsway Exchange Tunnels and was constructed during the Blitz as a deep-level air raid shelter under the London Underground. The mile-long series of tunnels was shortly after occupied by the Special Operations Executive, a clandestine organisation established in July 1940 under the orders of then Prime Minister Winston Churchill, during the later stages of World War II. It was during this time that Bond author Ian Fleming was working as a liaison officer within the wartime administration, and it is thought that the tunnels inspired the research and development Q Branch in his novels. After a few other uses for the network, the tunnels were used for a secure hotline that connected the White House to the Kremlin during the Cold War, before it was taken over by BT. Now, the tunnels will have a new life as a major tourist attraction that hopes to welcome up to three million visitors per year. The tunnels will have a permanent exhibition showcasing the history of military intelligence and its use of the tunnel complex, including a special exhibition centred around the Special Operations Executive. The displays will spotlight original artefacts, equipment, weapons, documents and images through a 'modern high-tech experience' that promises to bring to life the history and techniques used by military intelligence. The exhibition will feature stories from the Battle of Britain and D-Day, the espionage operations of the Cold War and the Falklands War. It will also display more recent military operations, including peace-keeping missions and the response to terrorism threats that have occurred within the 21st century. Visitors will also be able to delve into how the British military works today and what operations they carry out. Angus Murray, CEO of The London Tunnels, said: 'We are delighted to become the home of the public exhibition of the Museum of Military Intelligence. This new location will provide convenient central London access to an important and unique collection which has until now been largely hidden. 'The tunnels, built and designed to protect Londoners during the Blitz, are the ideal backdrop to tell the remarkable, and untold, stories of the men and women who played a vital role in protecting Britain then, and the role of the armed services protecting Britain today.' In its 2023 consultation documents, London Tunnels said the new museum would increase local spending up to £80m per year, create 40 onsite jobs and offer free trips for local schools.
Metro
11 hours ago
- Metro
'Most beautiful' European region is an underrated gem with a 'fairytale' bridge
Germany has so much to offer visitors all year round. During the summer months, popular cities like Berlin come alive with riverside swimming spots and canal-side clubbing, while autumn sees Munich's Oktoberfest in full swing, and winter ushers in Christmas markets galore in Cologne, Düsseldorf, and beyond. But step away from the cities and you'll find a whole other side to the country – with one area in particular, Saxony, being hailed as 'the most beautiful place' in Germany. The state, in Eastern Germany and bordering Czechia, looks like something out of a fairytale – with some palaces and castle dating back to the Middle Ages. It's brimming with history, too – it was the epicentre of events during some of the most decisive points in European history, including the Reformation and Napoleonic Wars. It might only be the 10th biggest of Germany's 16 states, but there's plenty for visitors to explore… Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. With Conde Nast Traveller previously hailing numerous places in Saxony as some of the 'most beautiful in Germany', you're spoiled for choice on where to go. Perhaps the region is best-known for its stunning Baroque capital city, Dresden, where many historic buildings were rebuilt after WWII. Top attractions in the city include Frauenkirche Dresden, a reconstructed Lutheran church, as well as Zwinger – a complex of gardens around a Baroque palace building that now houses museums including the Old Masters Picture Gallery and Mathematisch-Physikalischer Salon (a collection of clocks and scientific objects). Not far away is Meissen, a small town famous for its porcelain, which it has produced since 1710. The city of Leipzig is also a magnet for culture lovers, with a rich musical history (it's the birthplace of composer Richard Wagner), vibrant galleries, and magnificent landmarks such as St Nicholas Church. The quaint town of Görlitz, on the Polish border, should absolutely be on your list, having won the 'European Location Award' in 2017. It was one of the rare well-preserved towns to have survived WWII in Eastern Germany, as a result you'll wander past picturesque buildings and through charming streets. Rakotzbrücke, hidden in Kromlau's Rhododendron Park in the north of the state, is also a must-visit. Also known as Devil's Bridge, the 19th-century structure creates the perfect stone circle when reflected in the water below. Another must-visit place in Saxony is Bastei, a rock formation that towers 194 metres above the Elbe River, offering epic panoramas of various local landmarks. A bridge, built in 1851, also crosses through the rock formation, acting as a lookout point over the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. It's located in Saxon Switzerland National Park, a hiking haven known for its rugged terrain and huge valleys – which is also home to the 400-year-old Königstein Fortress. One Tripadvisor reviewer said Bastei was 'truly one of the most amazing places I've ever been in my life'. 'I'd seen pictures in advance, which is why we went, but it exceeded all my expectations.' Another Tripadvisor commenter added: 'It was spectacular! Must visit this place when you go to Saxon Switzerland National Park.' While there are no direct flights from the UK to Dresden or Leipzig, you can reach either with a stopover – with the quickest flight from the latter being around three hours, 30 minutes long. However, you can reach both cities from Berlin – with direct return flights from London airports starting from £48. From there, you can reach either Dresden or Leipzig by car (one hour, 50 minutes and two hours, 30 minutes respectively) – but a quicker option is by train. Journeys take around one hour, 15 minutes with one-way tickets costing as little as €5 (£4.19). Onwards to Bastei, the journey from Dresden takes around 50 minutes by car or one hour via public transport. While you might expect the peak summer months to be the best time to visit the region, this isn't necessarily the case. Lots of people visit Saxony during the winter months – with January being a popular month for winter-sport enthusiasts. This comes down to the fact that Saxony's Ore Mountains boasts 70 ski runs, over 60 drag lifts, around 621 miles (1,000 kilometres) of cross-country skiing trails, plus toboggan runs and ice-skating rinks. Being in Europe, it's hardly a surprise that January is the coldest month too – with an average maximum daytime temperature of 4°C. More Trending For those who don't like winter sports, the Christmas Garden Dresden transforms Pillnitz Palace and Park into a magical winter wonderland between November and January every year. However, anyone visiting during the summer can enjoy the greenery of the region in full force. The weather is incredibly pleasant during the peak summer months, with temperatures ranging from 20°C and 25°C – and July being the sunniest. This article was originally published on January 23, 2024. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: UK airport gets new TUI flights to quirky European capital dubbed the 'city of baths' MORE: European city begs for 'respect' as tourists keep stealing bizarre souvenir MORE: 'It's magic': Your favourite French holiday spots that aren't Paris, Cannes or Nice
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
100 deadliest days claims life of Heber City man, family working to take him home to Mexico
HEBER CITY, Utah () — The 100 deadliest days started this weekend, and it proved to be busy for Utah Highway Patrol. As of Monday, troopers made 77 DUI arrests, responded to 172 crashes and investigated one fatal crash. Sadly, since then, more people have lost their lives on Utah roads. One of those was a man who's called Heber City home since 2017 and worked to support his parents in Mexico, Eliezer Ramirez. The Ramirez family lost their brother in a car wreck this Tuesday. If it wasn't hard enough already to mourn the loss of a loved one, they are now focused on how to get him home to their parents in Mexico. 'I didn't believe it until I got there to see him,' Gabriel Ramirez stated. 'I saw him when they brought him down. For me it was hard, very hard.' Utah family prepares to bury WWII pilot who was MIA for 80 years Gabriel is Eliezer's older brother. Gabriel has lived in Heber City for 18 years. His brother joined him in 2017. He told ABC4 that having his brother here was the best. He didn't want to show his face on camera because he was emotional while speaking about his brother, but he wanted to make sure he told Eliezer's story. Gabriel described Eliezer: 'My brother is a person who is easy-going, friendly, he really liked to play with the kids [Gabriel's four children], have fun, dance and work.' 'We all came here to do well, to work, to get ahead, to help my parents get ahead,' Gabriel said while explaining what brought the brothers to Heber City. Eliezer worked as a painter and helped support his parents in Mexico. 'They are destroyed,' Gabriel added in regard to how his parents are coping. Idle Isle Café up for sale, former employees speak out The family is holding a mass for Eliezer in Park City on Friday. However, that won't be their final goodbye. They are raising money () to take Eliezer back to Michoacán so he can be buried near their parents' home. It won't be an easy feat. After arriving at the nearest airport, they'll have to drive him about six hours. That normally wouldn't sound like much, but their trek will take them over undeveloped, dirt roads (there is an example of those roads in the attached video). However, it'll be worth it to bring some closure to their parents. 'There are losses that one is never going to overcome,' added Gabriel. Meet the new faces at Utah's Hogle Zoo! Disneyland's 70th Anniversary food drop is amazing! Drywall damage? All Four Walls is there to help make it disappear UCAIR is giving out free gas cans in Davis County: Here's why it matters A 5k to benefit the non-profit Hope After Polygamy Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Time of India
15 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
'This kind of outrage could not go unpunished', Shashi Tharoor emphasises on 'new normal' in Colombia
Reiterating India's firm stance against terrorism, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Thursday (local time) said that the country decided that the Pahalgam terror attack could not go unpunished and launched strikes against terrorist infrastructure under Operation Sindoor . Addressing the media at Bogota, Tharoor said, "India suffered a grievous terrorist attack on the 22nd of April... When this happened, of course, the world rose up to condemn the terrorist attack, but that was as far as it went. There was no action taken, not even by the country where these people had emerged from, Pakistan. Nobody was arrested, and there was no attempt at any prosecution. India decided that this kind of outrage could not go unpunished. On May 7, India chose to strike against known terror bases and launch pads." Tharoor also showed the picture of PakistArmy officials attending the funerals of terrorists after India's strike on their terror bases. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Join new Free to Play WWII MMO War Thunder War Thunder Play Now Undo Tharoor said Pakistan provides terrorists a safe haven to continue their training. "There (in Pakistan) was a well-publicised funeral of one of the terrorists on the sanctions list. That funeral was attended by uniformed senior military and police personnel from Pakistan. That is the extent of complicity that we are seeing between the terrorists who perpetrate crimes of this nature and those who finance, guide, train, arm, and equip them and do provide them safe haven to continue their training and their other awful deeds," he said. Live Events Tharoor expressed disappointment with the Colombian government for expressing condolences over the loss of lives in Pakistan, rather than sympathising with the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. "We were a little disappointed in the reaction of the Colombian government, which apparently expressed heartfelt condolences on the loss of lives in Pakistan after the Indian strikes, rather than sympathising with the victims of terrorism," he said. The Congress MP, who is leading a multiparty delegation to Colombia, stated that India is only exercising our right of self-defence. "We will say to our friends in Colombia, there can be no equivalence between those who dispatch terrorists and those who resist them. There can be no equivalence between those who attack and those who defend. We are only exercising our right of self-defence, and if there is any misunderstanding here on this core, we are here to dispel any such misunderstanding. We're very happy to talk to Colombia about the circumstances in detail. We have, as I said, very concrete proof. In fact, when this terrorist attack occurred, it was immediately claimed by an organisation called The Resistance Front, which is a unit of the Lashkar-e-Taiba base in Muridke, Pakistan," Tharoor said. Shashi Tharoor-led delegation includes Shambhavi Chaudhary (Lok Janshakti Party), Sarfaraz Ahmed (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha), G M Harish Balayagi (Telugu Desam Party), Shashank Mani Tripathi, Tejaswi Surya, Bhubaneswar Kalita (all from BJP), Mallikarjun Devda (Shiv Sena), former Indian Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, and Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora.
