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On June 19, 2025, a memorial service commemorated the 80th anniversary of devastating U.S. air raids on Fukuoka, which killed or left missing over 1,000 people. The raids, involving at least 1,300 metric tons of incendiary bombs, caused catastrophic damage, particularly at the Jugo Ginko bank where a power outage trapped and killed 63 people sheltering in its basement. Yoshitaka Mizobe, a survivor who lost his father in the war, attended the service, underscoring the need to remember this tragedy and prevent future conflicts. He continues to share his wartime experiences with younger generations to ensure this history is not forgotten.
Cologne is undertaking its largest evacuation since World War II due to the discovery of three unexploded Allied bombs. Approximately 20,000 residents are being displaced, necessitating the closure of numerous facilities including bridges, rail lines, and several businesses. The three bombs, two 1,000kg and one 500kg, will be defused Wednesday morning following a pre-dawn check to ensure complete evacuation. This large-scale operation underscores the ongoing presence of unexploded ordnance from the city’s extensive bombing during the war.
During a speech to American troops in Qatar, President Trump downplayed France’s role in World War II, suggesting the U.S. deserved greater recognition for its contributions to the Allied victory. He recounted a phone call with President Macron, highlighting perceived discrepancies in celebratory commemorations between the U.S. and other nations. Trump asserted that without American involvement, the war would have been lost, emphasizing the U.S.’s pivotal role. The French foreign ministry has been contacted for comment.
Argentina’s Supreme Court recently made a startling discovery: eighty boxes overflowing with Nazi paraphernalia tucked away in its basement. The sheer volume of material, left undisturbed for decades, immediately raises questions about the court’s record-keeping and the potential significance of the find. These weren’t just random items; the boxes contained postcards, propaganda leaflets, and other materials designed to spread Nazi ideology within Argentina during and after World War II.
The discovery reveals a chapter of Argentina’s history often overlooked or downplayed: its complex relationship with Nazi Germany. While Argentina officially declared war on Germany and Japan in 1945, its neutrality prior to that, coupled with the known presence of Nazi sympathizers within the government, suggests a far less straightforward narrative than commonly presented.… Continue reading
Hundreds of Nazi-related documents and membership cards, including propaganda materials and photographs, were recently discovered in Argentine Supreme Court archives. These items, shipped from Tokyo in 1941 and initially flagged by customs officials, were part of a case investigated by a congressional commission concerned about potential threats to Argentina’s neutrality during World War II. The materials, which include membership booklets from the “Unión Alemana de Gremios,” have been secured for preservation and analysis to determine their relevance to Holocaust investigations and the post-war influx of Nazis into Argentina. Supreme Court Chief Justice Horacio Rosatti has ordered a full inventory of the newly found archive.
A 25-year-old Japanese man, Fumiya Takenawa, gained entry to Expo 2025 in Osaka using a ticket from the cancelled 1940 Grand International Exposition of Japan. Expo 2025 organizers honored the vintage ticket, exchanging it for two passes, following a precedent set by previous Japanese Expos. Takenawa, a collector of expo memorabilia, acquired the ticket online. This policy reflects a continuing recognition of the historical significance of the 1940 event, despite its cancellation due to World War II.
Russia’s Medvedev dismissed Trump’s assertion regarding the United States’ World War II role as “pretentious nonsense,” a sentiment echoed across many online comments. The core of Medvedev’s criticism centers on the idea of any single nation taking sole credit for the Allied victory. He rightly points out that the defeat of fascism was a collaborative effort, requiring the combined strength and sacrifices of nations across the ideological spectrum – left, center, and right – working together across countless borders. To claim singular credit is not only historically inaccurate but also deeply disrespectful to the millions who perished fighting the Axis powers.… Continue reading
A delegation of 22 Canadian Second World War veterans, aged 96 to 105, traveled to the Netherlands to commemorate the 80th anniversary of its liberation. The veterans, many of whom fought in Holland, were greeted with overwhelming gratitude and heartfelt appreciation from the Dutch populace. Thousands lined the streets of Apeldoorn, displaying Canadian flags and thanking the veterans for their service. This emotional reunion highlighted the enduring bond between Canada and the Netherlands, emphasizing the lasting impact of the Canadian liberation efforts during a period of severe famine and Nazi occupation. The events included parades, ceremonies, and visits to war cemeteries, underscoring the significance of the anniversary and the sacrifices made.
President Trump announced the renaming of May 8th as “Victory Day,” commemorating the end of World War II in Europe, despite the war continuing in the Pacific until August 1945. He also proposed replacing Veterans Day with a World War I commemoration on November 11th. This decision sparked criticism, given the continued fighting against Japan and the historical significance of Veterans Day in honoring all U.S. veterans. The unilateral nature of these pronouncements and their potential legal challenges remain unclear. Previous attempts to alter Veterans Day faced significant public backlash.
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood