News
WWII Veteran Honored as He Passes Peacefully at 102 En Route to D-Day Commemoration
A World War Two US Navy veteran, Robert “Al” Persichitti, who was on his way to France to mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, has passed away, confirmed a veteran organization.
Mr. Persichitti, from Rochester, New York, experienced a medical emergency aboard a ship heading to Europe and was airlifted to a hospital in Germany on 30 May, where he passed away the following day at the age of 102.
Remembered as a “great, humble man,” Mr. Persichitti played a significant role in the Allied operation in Japan. Honor Flight, the veteran organization he was part of, confirmed his death on social media, highlighting his brave service to his country.
Honor Flight is a non-profit that helps transport former US servicemen to war memorials. Mr. Persichitti was chosen by the National World War Two Museum in New Orleans to attend the Normandy event, which organized and funded his trip. “I’m really excited to be going,” he had told broadcaster WROC-TV a day before his journey.
Despite his age, his cardiologist encouraged him to travel. Al DeCarlo, who served alongside Mr. Persichitti in Japan, accompanied him on the trip and ensured he did not die alone. “The doctor was with him… he was at peace and he was comfortable,” DeCarlo said, noting that Frank Sinatra, his favorite singer, was playing when he peacefully passed away.
Mr. Persichitti and DeCarlo served together in Iwo Jima, a Japanese island captured by the US in 1945. Known for his zest for life, Mr. Persichitti often visited local schools to share his experiences with children. In April, students organized a birthday celebration in his honor.
In 2020, he was named an honoree of New York State Senate’s Veteran Hall of Fame by then-Senator Rich Funke. His local Honor Flight chapter in Rochester expressed that they will miss him dearly.
Mr. Persichitti’s life and dedication continue to inspire, leaving a lasting legacy of bravery and service.
In a devastating incident in eastern India, at least 46 people, including 37 children and seven women, have drowned while celebrating the Hindu Jivitputrika festival. The fatalities, which occurred across 15 districts within the past 24 hours, resulted from victims ritually bathing in rivers and ponds swollen by recent flooding.
The three-day festival, which honors children’s wellbeing, is traditionally marked by mothers fasting and families participating in ritual baths. This year, the swollen water bodies, exacerbated by recent floods, have turned the celebratory ritual into a deadly disaster.
Local disaster management officials have expressed fears that the death toll could rise further. State authorities have promised compensation for the families and relatives of the victims.
Fatal accidents during religious festivals are not uncommon in India, where large gatherings often take place with insufficient safety measures. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by such gatherings, especially during adverse weather conditions.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have conducted airstrikes in Beirut, reportedly killing Mohammad Hussein Surur, a senior Hezbollah air unit leader. The Lebanese health ministry confirmed two deaths and 15 injuries from the attack. The strikes come amid escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah, with both sides exchanging fire throughout the night and into the morning.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the IDF would continue to fight “with full force” against Hezbollah, aiming to dismantle the Iran-backed militant group. This marks a significant intensification of hostilities between the two sides, which have been exchanging rockets and airstrikes for days. The Lebanese health ministry also reported that 28 people were killed today by Israeli airstrikes.
In retaliation, Hezbollah launched 80 missiles targeting northern Israeli cities, including Safed. Israeli authorities have reported no casualties but noted significant property damage in Safed and Rosh Pina.
Amid the intensifying conflict, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin renewed calls for a diplomatic solution. The U.S., along with 11 other allied nations, has urged both Israel and Hezbollah to agree to a ceasefire to prevent further escalation and civilian casualties.
Ferry travel between the Isle of Man and Lancashire continues to face disruption due to strong winds over the Irish Sea. The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has cancelled Thursday’s 08:45 BST sailing of the Manxman to Heysham and its scheduled 14:15 return journey. This follows the cancellation of the vessel’s return trip from the Lancashire port on Wednesday evening.
The disruptions have affected postal services, with the Isle of Man Post Office reporting delays in deliveries from the UK. While local deliveries within the island remain unaffected, items posted on Wednesday for UK delivery may not reach Royal Mail’s network in time for Friday delivery.
Additionally, the ferry cancellations have caused a delay in newspaper deliveries, with no papers available on the island on Thursday, as confirmed by the island’s wholesale distributor.
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