Europe
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In the fall of 1944, South Limburg was liberated by American troops. Many young men subsequently volunteered for the Domestic Forces to contribute to the liberation of the Netherlands after years of occupation. Among them were veterans Cor van Wageningen (1918–2013) and Frits Faro (1921–2012). In the fall of 1944, they were assigned as guards
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The Battle of Vianden: A Testament to Courage and Resistance on November 19, 1944 The Battle of Vianden, fought on November 19, 1944, stands as a remarkable episode of defiance during World War II. Taking place in the medieval town of Vianden in northern Luxembourg, this engagement showcased the extraordinary bravery of a small group
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Theo van Gogh, a Dutch filmmaker, author, and outspoken critic of Islamic extremism, was brutally murdered on November 2, 2004, in Amsterdam. His death shocked the Netherlands and sent ripples through Europe, igniting intense debates around free speech, religious tolerance, and the place of Islam in Western society. To understand the complex layers of this
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May 14, 1940, marks a significant day in the history of Rotterdam, as it was the day the city was bombed during World War II. During the early stages of the German invasion of the Netherlands, the Dutch army attempted to defend Rotterdam, but they were ultimately unable to prevent the Germans from advancing. As
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In memories deep, history’s echo rings,A day of triumph, where freedom sings.Amidst the ravages of war’s cruel play,VE Day dawns, a light in the fray. From London’s streets to fields afar,Courageous souls bore the scars.Their sacrifice, a beacon bright,Guiding nations through the darkest night. In cities shattered, lives intertwined,Hope persisted, a flame defined.Flags unfurled, hearts
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I appreciate that the speed of communication in 1945 was not as fast as it is now—but the Wehrmacht soldiers in Amsterdam on May 7, 1945, would definitely have heard that on May 4, 1945, Field Marshal Montgomery accepted the official surrender of the German army in Northwest Europe at his headquarters on Lüneburger Heath
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Every once in a while I do a slightly different blog, just to distract from all the WW2 horrors and to maintain a level of sanity. What better to talk about beauty to distract. Topless sunbathing, the practice of sunbathing without covering the breasts, has a history that spans cultures and centuries. While it might
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Today marks the 81st anniversary of the liquidation of the Krakow ghetto. Rather than posting photographs, I thought it would be better to read the testimonies of two who survived. On March 13-14, 1943, the SS and police carried out the operation, shooting some 2,000 Jews in the ghetto. The SS transferred another 2,000 Jews,
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I believe that the most effective way to keep the Holocaust in our memory is by remembering individuals—rather than talking about numbers, which are just so hard to comprehend. Ralph Blankenstein was born in Hamburg on September 29, 1922. His father, Isidor, lived in Hamburg, where he met his future wife Helene Blankenstein née Bluman,
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As we bid farewell to 2023, and 2024 is upon us it may be a good time to reflect on the last 12 months, but at some of the stories which may have been forgotten. January 1 Avenger’s actor Jeremy Renner is accidentally run over by a snowplow, breaking more than 30 bones in his
History of Sorts 