Washington

In photos: The last WWII veterans mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day

Published

2 years ago

June 6, 2024

In photos: The last WWII veterans mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day

UTAH BEACH, France — These are no ordinary beaches. There are few sunbathers. There are no volleyball games or barbecues.

Eighty years after a massive invasion force landed here, beginning the liberation of German-occupied France, an unmistakable solemnity lingers on the sands.

More than 4,000 allied troops died on D-Day. But even amid the tremendous loss of life, some survived. And on this 80th anniversary, some of those who are living still came here to remember.

Steve Melnikoff, a 104-year-old from Cockeysville, Md., is one of those last veterans.

“I’m a D-Day man,” he proclaimed with pride, sporting a blue-and-gray necktie, an ode to the yin-yang insignia of the 29th Infantry Division he fought with.

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Melnikoff was a 24-year-old private on a ship in the English Channel on D-Day, coming ashore the next day. He would go on to earn four Bronze Stars and two Purple Hearts during the war. He emphasized, though, that it was the soldiers interred at the American Cemetery who deserved tribute. “It was those men. Especially the ones in that cemetery that are up there on that hill. It was those men that gave their lives so that we could make it back,” he said. “Those are the people that are the real heroes.”

Most American forces landed on the beaches with the code names Omaha and Utah. Between those sandy stretches are miles of steep, rocky cliffs. The overgrown ruins of bunkers, pillboxes and machine-gun nests still offer a commanding view.

Inland from Utah Beach is the village of St. Marie du Mont, where an ornate stone Catholic church occupies a prominent place in the main square, just like in so many other villages in Normandy.

Tourists, locals and visiting active duty U.S. military shared picnic tables on the church’s lawn this week. Occasionally, handfuls of World War II veterans would arrive. Swarms of admirers crowded around on all sides, seeking photos and autographs.

French veteran Jean Turco fought against the German blitzkrieg in 1940 before France ultimately fell to the Nazis at the end of the six-week battle. This week, at age 106, he was seated in a wheelchair and wrapped in a blanket for warmth, while he received a long line of his countrymen eager to pay their respects.

With an average of 200 World War II veterans dying every day, according to estimates from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, this will likely be the last major D-Day anniversary with a sizable group of veterans in attendance. Indeed, if a veteran was 18 years old on D-Day, he would be 104 by the time the 85th anniversary arrives in 2029.

Photographer Luke Sharrett attended the commemorations.

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Washington

Tulip Day Washington draws buzz as sign-up site goes down

Published

13 hours ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

WASHINGTON – Coming up this month, spring’s most colorful new event: Tulip Day Washington.

What we know:

On March 15, 2026, Tulip Day Washington will transform DC’s National Mall into a vibrant tulip-picking garden beautiful views of U.S. Capitol

This one-day event will take place from 11:15 AM – 4:15 PM, offering a floral showcase of approximately 150,000 tulips; visitors are invited to pick their choice of 10 tulips for free upon arrival.

Dig deeper:

The registration site for Tulip Day is currently down, showing users “This site is currently unavailable. If you’re the owner of this website, please contact your hosting provider to get this resolved.”

Users on social media say the event may be sold out.

Check tulipday.eu for updates.

The backstory:

The event is organized by the Embassy of the Netherlands and Royal Anthos, a Dutch trade association, in honor of America’s 250th birthday. The display of tulips will be in the shape of the number 250.

The bulbs come from the Netherlands, but are being grown in Virginia and New Jersey.

These won’t be the first tulips on the National Mall, however. The Floral Library, also known as the Tulip Library, features 93 beds of flowers near the Tidal Basin. The Floral Library was established in 1969, and is maintained by the National Park Services. These flowers, though, are to be enjoyed only – not to be picked.

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Washington

PHOTOS: Long Beach State Dirtbags vs. Washington State, Baseball

Published

1 day ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

PHOTOS: Long Beach State Dirtbags vs. Washington State, Baseball

The562’s coverage of Dirtbags Baseball for the 2026 season is sponsored by P2S, Inc. Visit p2sinc.com to learn more.

Long Beach State dropped a 9-7 decision against Washington State on Sunday afternoon, closing out a busy weekend on Bohl Diamond at Blair Field.

The visiting Cougars took the lead for good in the eighth inning when Long Beach Poly grad Ryan Skjonsby delivered a game-winning two-run single with two outs and the bases loaded. Skjonsby was 2-for-4 with a walk, a run scored and three RBIs for Washington State in their road victory.

For the Dirtbags, catcher Damon Valdez scored twice and had a key two-run single in the sixth to help lead a Long Beach comeback. Trevor Goldenetz had a pair of hits at the top of the order, including an RBI triple. Camden Gasser walked twice and singled, improving his on-base percentage to .574 on the season.

Long Beach State (4-7) will be back in action at home on Tuesday with an exhibition match against Waseda University from Japan. The Dirtbags will then visit San Diego State on Wednesday and open Big West play at UC Santa Barbara this weekend.

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Washington

Week Ahead in Washington: March 1

Published

2 days ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) – Operation “Epic Fury” — the weekend military operations carried out by the U.S. and Israel against targets in Iran — tops the agenda for Congress as lawmakers return to Washington.

Sunday, President Donald Trump said the new leadership in Iran wants to talk to the Trump Administration.

Democrats in both chambers called for Congress to return as soon as possible for classified briefings on Iran, followed by a move to vote on the War Powers Act. The Constitution gives Congress the power to declare war on another country.

Congress’ return to Washington was originally delayed due to the start of the 2026 midterm elections cycle.

Tuesday, voters in Arkansas, North Carolina and Texas head to the polls for primary elections.

North Carolina and Texas are drawing significant attention, as both states are facing congressional redistricting and competitive primary races for Senate seats.

In Texas, incumbent Sen. John Cornyn (R) is facing primary challenges from state Attorney General Ken Paxton and Rep. Wesley Hunt. On the Democratic side, Rep. Jasmine Crockett is facing state Rep. James Talarico.

In North Carolina, candidates are vying to replacing retiring Sen. Thom Tillis (R) . They include former Governor Roy Cooper (D) and former Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley.

Also this week, the Rev. Jesse Jackson is laid to rest. He will be honored Wednesday in Washington before a final memorial service Saturday. Jackson died Feb. 17.

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