Category Archives: Ww3

The United Way of Lamar County (UWLC) is partnering with Carter Blood Care for a safe blood drive for Lamar County. Two CBC buses will be in the parking lot at the corner of Lamar and Collegiate parking lot on Saturday, July 25th from 10 am-3 pm. By appointment only register at https://ww3.greatpartners.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/115695

UWLC Executive Director Jenny Wilson explains, blood donations are still necessary during the coronavirus pandemic, but according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)the number of blood donations is down. The donated blood supply has been reduced during the pandemic due to social distancing and the cancelation of local blood drives.But when you donate blood, you are helping save lives.

According to the FDA,every two seconds, one person needs a blood transfusion. In health care settings, donated blood is a potentially life-saving and essential part of caring for patients.Blood donations are critical for:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourages people who are well to continue to donate blood. And, if you have recovered from COVID-19 you may be eligible to donate blood plasma. Respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 are not known to be transmitted by blood transfusion, and there havent been any reported cases of coronavirus from a blood transfusion.

During the blood drive on Saturday, all necessary precautions and enhanced protocols will be taken to keep donors and staff safe. To make an appointment, visithttps://ww3.greatpartners.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/115695

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United Way of Lamar County and Carter Blood Care partner for blood drive - eParisExtra.com

The Big Brother finale is right around the corner and all your fave former Housemates have just touched down in Sydney in honour of the blessed event.

But not all of the Housemates are quite so happy to see each other as theres a rumour that certain members of the team plan on causing a scene at the live finale.

The most recently evicted contender Sarah McDougal has just thrown some shade at her peers and the tea is extra tasty.

I think some of the people who left earlier on in the series are going to try and blow it up to get their 10-seconds of fame, she told Daily Mail Australia.

Sarah was evicted in last nights episode. (Credit: Seven)

The army cadet said shes trying to roll with the punches. If someone has something to say, Ill definitely say something back. Im just keen to celebrate the final three.

She went on to diss the fame-hungry Housemates who she believes never had an impact on the game.

I think the only people hoping it blows up never had an impact on the game and theyre just trying to get back in the spotlight for their 20-seconds, she said.

Especially in the environment we were in, some people thought they would become more of a household name than it actually did become.

I would be disappointed if people went to the finale with the sole expectation to start drama, because its all in the past and were all adults, she concluded.

Its one or two people that are starting all this drama and its solely for them to get their name back out there, she said, adding that it was so frustrating for her.

Meanwhile, Kieran Davidson told the publication that he reckons World War Three will break out at the live finale.

He claimed tensions had been high between some housemates after a secret mole leaked private messages from a group chat between the cast.

I still speak with everyone, Im quite a social person, but it will be very different to see how it all plays out [for everyone else] at the finale, Kieran said.

The live finale is set for Wednesday night.

Read more here:

Big Brother Evictees Slam Fame-Hungry Housos Who Plan To Start 'WW3' At The Live Eviction - Pedestrian TV

Greek military commanders have carried out a series of intense military drills amid an escalation of tensions with Turkey. On Friday, Greek Defence Minister Nikos Panagiotopoulos accused Istanbul of aggressive behaviour, claiming Athens was ready to defend itself against Turkey by any means necessary. The EUs top diplomat Josep Borrell also intervened this week, as he urged Turkey to respect the sovereignty of Greece.

Tensions have sky-rocketed in recent days after Turkey announced that the country will begin drilling for oil and gas inside Greeces maritime borders in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Greece has hit back at this move and put its armed forces on alert for a military conflict with Turkey.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis sent a letter to the European Union, stating that this move would lead to a Turkish-European crisis.

Mr Panagiotopoulos told TV reporters on Friday: Of course Turkeys stance has recently been rather aggressive.

"I believe that the only way Greece can deal with it is, on one hand, to exhaust all its diplomatic weapons, and on the other, to cater for the increase of the deterrence power of the Armed Forces."

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Asked if these efforts include preparations for a military conflict, the defence minister said that Greece is preparing for all eventualities, including military engagement".

He added: We do not want this to happen. However, we are making it clear toward all directions that we will do what it takes to defend our sovereign rights to the greatest extent, if you catch my drift."

General Konstantinos Floros, who serves as the Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, echoed the Defence Minister's claims.

He said the military are ready to perform their duties in defending Greece at a time when Turkey "is threatening to invade the Eastern Aegean islands, Crete and Western Thrace".

The EU's Borrell said Brussels was monitoring developments while being in close contact with Athens.

Relations between the two NATO members have been poor for centuries following several major wars between the two sides.

There have also been tensions over Cyprus, military confrontations in the Aegean Sea, and recent concerns that Turkey was deliberately threatening Europe with an influx of refugees on its borders.

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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a press conference in Ankara on Thursday where he announced his plans to proceed with oil exploration and drilling in maritime territories that are part of Greece.

Earlier this week, National Security Advisor Vice Admiral Alexandros Diakopoulos warned that Greece was ready to react militarily if Ankara violated its waters, but added that the government currently believes that such a thing will not be needed.

He added: "Of course, Turkey knows that it does not have international law on its side, and that is why it is trying to bring our country into a purely political debate."

Excerpt from:

WW3 threat erupts on EU border: Greece readies for war as fears of Turkish 'invasion' grow - Express.co.uk

The new international accord has been sealed in order to facilitate military exchanges and exercises in the Indo-Pacific region.The landmark treaty also allows military ships and aircraft to refuel and access maintenance facilities.

The agreement - known as the Mutual Logistics Support Agreement - was reached during a virtual summit between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison.

It had been the first time the Indian Prime Minister held virtual discussions with a foreign leader since the global pandemic began.

Upon announcing the agreement, Prime Minister Modi appeared to take a swipe at Beijing following weeks of conflict at the disputed border.

Mr Modi said: "We share democratic values, the rule of law, freedoms, and respect for international institutions.

When these are being challenged, we need to strengthen our cooperation."

Mr Morrison added: "It is time for our relationship to grow broader and deeper.

Relations between India and China continue to be strained with thousands of unarmed troops locked in a standoff along the 2,000 mile-long border.

According to Indian security officials Beijing forces intruded into Indian territory along the western Himalayas something China denies.

Tensions have also escalated over Indias plan to construct a road near the Galwan valley which is regarded as a disputed region.

Meanwhile India continue to strengthen ties with the US and Prime Minister Modi held talks with US President Donald Trump on Tuesday.

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It is understood the two world leaders discussed "the situation on the India-China border and Mr Trump reportedly offered to help Delhi.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry has downplayed tensions and insisted the region remains stable and controllable but warned against intervention from a "third party".

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said: "At present, the overall situation in the China-India border areas is stable and controllable.

"On border-related issues, there have been sound mechanisms and channels of communication between China and India, and the two sides are capable of properly resolving relevant issues through dialogue and consultation.

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"There is no need for any third party to intervene."

Fractions between China and Australia have also surfaced in recent months after Australian officials called for an independent investigation into the origin of coronavirus.

China has since impose economic sanctions on Australian goods.Since May 12, China banned Australian beef and put 80 percent tariffs on Australian barley imports.

China is Australias largest trading partner and according to figures released by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs, trade between the two nations totalled 115billion ($214bn) in 2018.

Originally posted here:

WW3: India and Australia share access to each other's military bases in warning to China - Express.co.uk

Rumours of the death of Kim Jong-Un in late April sparked many questions as to how the US would react if this information was verified. North Korea has since insisted their leader is alive and well despite continuous speculation regarding the dictator's absence from the public eye. Asia politics expert and author Gordon Chang warned the US may have its hand forced into invading North Korea if civil unrest followed in the country after the death of its leader.

Mr Chang argued if nuclear weapons became divided among warring factions in North Korea following the death of Kim, the US may be forced to intervene.

He added this could cause a major conflict as China is allied with and supports the North Korean regime.

Mr Chang told Express.co.uk: "What would force our hand? If we felt the control of North Korea's nuclear weapons was in doubt.

"That is the one thing that would get us to try to secure those nukes."

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Mr Chang explained that the US does not have a specific leader it would be warier of, in the event of Kim Jong-un's death.

He insisted the conflict within the country would prove to be more alarming for the US and force them to take action.

He said: "I think it is more a question of no leaders in North Korea.

"If you had rival groups each having possession of nuclear weapons, that would frighten the c**p out of the US.

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WW3 nuclear missile warning: North Korean event would 'FORCE the terrified US' to invade - Express.co.uk

In what is clearly a direct message to Iran, the maritime alert warns "lawful defensive measures" will be taken against any craft that encroaches the 100m exclusion zone around US ships. The notice, issued by the Bahrain-based US Naval Forces Central Command, follows Mr Trumps threat last month to fire on any Iranian ships that harass Navy vessels.

Armed vessels approaching within 100 metres of a US Naval vessels may e interpreted as a threat

US Naval alert

It comes amid soaring tensions in the Gulf where Iranian gunboats have been approaching US warships at sea.

A US official said the new notice to mariners did not herald a change in the US militarys rules of engagement but was meant to serve as a reminder of its existing policy in the troubled region.

The Pentagon has previously stated Mr Trumps threat was designed to underscore the US Navys "right to self-defence".

The US President hit out after an incident last month in which 11 Iranian vessels came close to US Navy and Coast Guard ships in the Gulf in what the US military called "dangerous and provocative" behaviour.

The notice says: "US Naval forces are conducting routine operations in the region with a commitment to freedom of navigation and the free flow of maritime commerce.

"Due to recent events and in order to enhance safety, minimise ambiguity and reduce opportunities for miscalculation, all vessels are advised to maintain a safe distance of at least 100 metres from US Naval vessels in international waters/straits.

READ MORE:Iranian president Rouhani brands Trump administration most evil

"Armed vessels approaching within 100 metres of a US Naval vessels may e interpreted as a threat and subject to lawful defensive measures.

"Mariners are reminded to operate in accordance with international law and with due regard for the safe navigation of other vessels.

"All vessels operating in the vicinity of US Naval vessels are advised to clearly commmunicate their intentions, respond to queries concerning course and speed, exercise principals of prudent seamanship as required under international law and remain at the maximum available distance from US Naval forces."

Iran has responded to the warning by insisting its navy will continue its "regular missions" in the Gulf.

An Iranian military official said: "The naval units of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman will continue their regular missions in accordance with professional principles as in the past."

Friction between Tehran and Washington has increased since 2018, when Mr Trump quit Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with six powers and reimposed sanctions on the country that have crippled its economy.

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Iran's Supreme Leader this week warned all Americans will be expelled from Iraq and Syria as he stepped up his calls for US troops to be withdrawn from the Middle East.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said US actions in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria had led to them being hated, according to a transcript of a speech to students published on his website.

He said: "The Americans won't stay in Iraq and Syria and will be expelled."

A full-blown military conflict almost erupted when a US drone strike killed top Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad on January 3, prompting Tehran to retaliate with a missile barrage against a US base in Iraq days later.

Last month, US President Donald Trump said he had instructed the US Navy to fire on any Iranian ships that harass it at sea but said later he was not changing the military's rules of engagement.

The head of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards, Major General Hossein Salami, said the Islamic Republic would destroy US warships if its security was threatened in the Gulf.

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World War 3: US orders Iran to stay away from warships or risk 'being interpreted a threat - Express.co.uk

China has pledged to retaliate against the US following an unprecedented move from the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. This week, Mr Pompeo became the first Secretary of State in US history to congratulate a Taiwanese president on an election victory. Chinas foreign ministry on Wednesday said the remarks had done serious damage to US-Chinese relations.

The ministry said Mr Pompeos statement seriously violated the one-China principle, since China claims Taiwan.

A spokesman added: "China urges the US side to immediately correct its mistake.

"The Chinese side will take necessary countermeasures to respond to the above-mentioned erroneous actions by the US side.

"And the US side should bear the consequences arising therefrom."

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He warned that the Taiwan "road leads to death" and that "any damage to China's core interests will be vigorously countered".

President Tsai Ing-Wen was inaugurated this week, and has since called for stable relations with China.

However, she added she would not let China downgrade Taiwan and undermine the cross-strait status quo".

Dr Tsai Ing-Wen's landslide victory in January was seen as a rebuke of Beijings ongoing campaign to isolate the island.

During a press conference on Wednesday, Mr Pompeo said: Her re-election by a huge margin shows that she has earned the respect, admiration, and trust of the people on Taiwan.

Her courage and vision in leading Taiwans vibrant democracy is an inspiration to the region and the world.

"I am confident that, with President Tsai at the helm, our partnership with Taiwan will continue to flourish.

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Mr Pompeo's claims comes amid tensions between Washington and Beijing over trade and allegations of Beijings mishandling of the coronavirus pandemic.

These tensions escalated further today after Chinas Foreign Ministry lodged a complaint with the United States to complain about a planned sale of advanced torpedoes to Taiwan.

During his press conference, Mr Pompeo also attacked China for threatening economic retaliation against Australia.

He said the Trump administration fully backs the Australian government's push for an independent investigation into the origins of the coronavirus.

He said: "The Chinese Communist Party chose to threaten Australia with economic retribution for the simple act of asking for an independent inquiry into the origins of the virus."

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China sparks WW3 panic as Beijing vows retaliation against US: 'Road that leads to death' - Express.co.uk

This weekend marks 75 years since the end of the second world war in Europe, and 70 years since the foundations were established of what became the European Union. With the continent facing its biggest challenge since 1945, do the lessons of the war and its aftermath have any resonance for young people? Millennials from around Europe share some of their thoughts and fears.

At times of crisis, populism, racism, xenophobia and fascism rise. After the coronavirus economic crisis really hits, we will witness an unbearable climate of pro-nationalist sentiment. In a world of global challenges nations are the wrong scale to solve those problems.Isabel, scientist, 32, Spain

The fraying of the European project recently has made the second world war suddenly more relevant. For a long time we thought the continents bloody divisions were consigned to the past along with slavery or the guillotine. Now it feels like Europes tormented history was merely suspended for a few decades. Im not frightened of a return to armed conflict, but the potential of destructive disunity feels very real. I have no sentimentality for VE Day but I do think that it should be commemorated.Aleks, 20s, Serbian, living in the UK

Of course there are lessons for my generation from the second world war. I grew up in Germany after all, and what thoughts of racial elitism can do was shockingly impressed on me. How people are turning back to far-right groups all over Europe is very scary.Sophia, 22, Brandenburg, Germany

I am sick of hearing about the war. The allies committed atrocities, war brings out the worst in all people. My friends grandad took part in the D-day landings. He said they hit the legs of the soldiers to get them out on the beaches, they were not brave or heroic willingly and they all shit themselves literally. It was hell, not our finest hour. The lesson to learn is no one should think they are better than anyone else and that peace is the most valuable thing we can possibly have.Jennifer, 35, London

I feel like its our moral responsibility to not let history repeat itself. Im very fearful of the nationalism, populism, isolationism and the rise of hard-right parties in Europe (and in the world of course) that we face currently. I live in constant fear that this degradation will eventually evolve and lead to WW3. From the pandemic I see a lot of great humanity, empathy, solidarity. But I also see terrible things: self-centredness, selfishness, disinformation, intolerance, etc. And I see countries that are absolutely not ready for whats coming.Nina, legal assistant, 27, Montpellier, France

Austria in particular has a tragic past when it comes to nationalism, and people here are acutely aware of this. On the other hand, history never exactly repeats itself and I doubt the horrors of the past would really take place in the same way. Nevertheless, what hides behind nationalism is a profound division between groups of people, which is the antithesis of the European project.Louis, mid-30s, Vienna

I think its good we talk about the second world war in the UK. My boyfriend is Danish and says that despite the country being occupied, and he has family who were young adults at that time, it isnt talked about. Hes never had a conversation with them about it, or how it impacts their views today. Nationalism worries me very much. You see it across Europe, in ways more subtle than Brexit. Freedom of movement seems to be viewed very negatively by many people. When visiting my boyfriends family in Denmark multiple acquaintances or random people have expressed negative feelings about the fact hes dating a foreigner.Heather, Edinburgh

This was a traumatic experience and has taught me, as a millennial, not to take peace for granted. Our national curriculum is flawed, however. At school we are taught predominantly about Britains role in the war, as if it defeated the Nazi regime singlehandedly. In reality, Britains success depended entirely on our continental and global alliances.Sonia 22, British, living in Paris

The second world war still divides my nation today. Politicians have been using it divide the nation. Its like a continuous witch-hunt ever since the breakup of Yugoslavia that shifts the focus away from the real lessons of the war. The pandemic too has made me pessimistic. It has enabled a rise in rightwing governments in many parts of Europe which used the lockdown to start implementing their draconian laws.Andreja, 30s, Ljubljana, Slovenia

VE Day symbolises an important victory indeed. People were happy not to be under German oppression anymore, but in Italy most people do not feel it or dont even know it exists. We mark our own liberation day on 25 April. I can see first hand in Italy what nationalistic propaganda is like and what nationalism-oriented communication is like. Its scary.Lorenzo, 20s, Milan

I think its important to acknowledge those who gave up so much for our freedom. My dad lives in South Yorkshire and they have been celebrating VE Day in their socially distanced front gardens! My generation should still learn the lessons of the war. But as our government refused PPE from the EU procurement agreement, it makes me pessimistic about the idea of Britain working with Europe.Rosie, primary teacher, 30, South Yorks, based London

I think we need to get away from the second world war as a cultural touchstone. Not forget that it happened but with every passing day the context we live in is further removed from it. It has become warped into a nationalist icon, removed from the reality of what actually happened. The lessons people use it to teach are that Britain is special in Europe because we werent invaded, fuelling the delusion that we can do everything alone. The tub-thumping pseudo-patriotism of wannabe demagogues is terrifying.Nick, PhD student, 26, Manchester

For a Croat in particular, the second world war continues to mark my generation as we havent been able to transcend divisions dating from then. Some in my generation still struggle to make sense of the lessons of the war. For me it is clear: after the worst modern atrocities on the continent, we as Europeans committed to creating a more peaceful continent. One thing that the Covid crisis might bring is to reveal the inability of nationalist governments to manage the pandemic on their own.Luka, 22, Zagreb

Captain Tom and my grandfather exemplify VE Day to me. That stiff upper lip determination that were are not alone and all in this together. Or the Queen saying we will meet again. This crisis shows that the level of support forged in the cauldron of the second world war are still with us. Whether the staff of the NHS or carers, volunteers racing around to deliver food parcels.Ben, engineer working as a bin collector, 20s, Carlisle

I am anxious about VE Day. My fear is that the loudest voices will be those who want to shout about Britain standing alone and using that to justify a nationalist agenda despite the passage of 75 years. Britain seems obsessed with the war in a way no other European country is.Peter, 29, London

I am the grandchild of a Holocaust survivor, and my Dutch grandparents both suffered under German occupation. Being Jewish and living in Amsterdam, the scars of the Jewish community are all over the city. I cant speak for my generation, but I can say that for me it feels like peace is conditional, it is hard-fought. The fact that many of my best friends are now Germans is a blessing I never take for granted.Software engineer, 25, Amsterdam

The second world war teaches us never again. The trouble is, most people take that to mean just the gas chambers; everything leading up to that point is apparently acceptable. I also think the UK looks on WWII as a glorious victory of the British against the Germans, rather than a collaborative effort against fascism. The UK has cherrypicked and romanticised history, which makes it impossible for us to learn from it.Sarah, 31, Milton Keynes

I would say the second world war taught us that no country can make it alone and left us with a deep mistrust of nationalism. However, I look around and I see how little of these two lessons has actually stuck.Michaela, scientist, 32, Italy

Too many people my age do not even know about the Holocaust, and just how easily European countries slid into horrific persecution and violence. I think our generation needs to contend with this now more so than ever, with razor-wire fences going up all over European and racism, Islamophobia, anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination and gender-based discrimination all on the rise in recent years. A better understanding of this history will remind our generation how easy it is for a society to fall into the abyss.Adam, 25, Helsinki

The narrative often portrayed in our history lessons was of national pride and British exceptionalism. Having been fortunate to speak to a number of elderly relatives who played a part in the war their stories didnt match what we were taught, rather they focused on the horrors experienced, and the need for co-operation. I think our generation needs to be aware that the memory of the war has been corrupted to encourage nationalism and British exceptionalism.Oliver, student, 21, Norfolk

Read more:

'We're forgetting the lessons of 1945': young people on VE Day - The Guardian

As she remembered Britain's Second World War sacrifices and the "joyous celebrations" that followed the end of fighting in Europe, the head of state paid tribute to the positive qualities of today's generation.

She said the tireless efforts of NHS staff, care and key workers, and communities helping the vulnerable, reflected a nation "those brave soldiers, sailors and airmen would recognise and admire".

And she highlighted the message of VE Day that resonates with the country's plight today - "Never give up, never despair".

Her televised address came at the end of national celebrations, curtailed due to the lockdown, marking 75 years to the day Britain and its Allies formally accepted Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender, following almost six years of brutal warfare.

Speaking from Windsor Castle's white drawing room, the Queen said in her pre-recorded message: "The wartime generation knew that the best way to honour those who did not come back from the war, was to ensure that it didn't happen again.

"The greatest tribute to their sacrifice is that countries who were once sworn enemies are now friends, working side by side for the peace, health and prosperity of us all.

"Today it may seem hard that we cannot mark this special anniversary as we would wish. Instead we remember from our homes and our doorsteps.

"But our streets are not empty; they are filled with the love and the care that we have for each other.

"And when I look at our country today, and see what we are willing to do to protect and support one another, I say with pride that we are still a nation those brave soldiers, sailors and airmen would recognise and admire."

7pm update: Last Post played across UK

Trumpeters and buglers up and down the country have played The Last Post to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day.

The piece is often played at military memorials, and was taken up by dozens of musicians across the UK to mark the day that commemorates the end of the Second World War in Europe.

Among those involved was Paul Cartwright, from Ryhill near Wakefield, who plays with the West Yorkshire Police Band, which plays in Ypres every year on November 11.

The 48-year-old Church of England priest told the PA news agency: "It was to be able to honour those who gave their life for us, and also to honour those who are working so hard for us now in the armed forces, to help with all the Nightingale hospitals and all the logistics.

"It was to get the community involved and to give a bit of thanks for the peace that was brought on VE Day."

4.30pm update: Trump lays wreath at Washington war memorial

US President Donald Trump has laid a wreath at the World War Two Memorial in Washington as America marks the 75th anniversary of VE Day.

3.35pm update: Putin sends VE Day messages to Johnson and Trump

Vladimir Putin has sent telegrams to Boris Johnson and Donald Trump suggesting the need to rekindle their nations' co-operation during World War Two to solve today's problems.

The telegrams were among many Mr Putin dispatched to the Soviet Union's World War Two allies on the 75th anniversary of the end of the conflict in Europe.

Ties with London remain badly strained over the poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in Salisbury two years ago.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spoke to his British counterpart Dominic Raab earlier this week when, according to Moscow, they agreed to try to improve cooperation.

2.58pm update: Sophie jokes with WW3 veteran about VE day hangover

The Countess of Wessex joked with a Second World War airman about his hangover after VE Day celebrations when they met for a virtual chat.

Members of the royal family have been talking with wartime veterans and civilians this week to hear their stories and mark the 75th anniversary of the war ending in Europe.

Louis Goodwin, 94, from Salisbury, told the countess he joined the RAF in 1943 as an 18-year-old and opted to train as a gunner rather than pilot/navigator as the instruction course was shorter.

Speaking on the Royal British Legion's special online show, screened on its Facebook page, the former airman told the royal he left the VE Day party at 11pm, she said "quite civilised - not too bad" and he replied with understatement and a laugh: "We had a few drinks".

"You remember the headache the next morning?" asked Sophie, and Mr Goodwin replied "Yes, yes and wondering what we were going to do next."

2.22pm update: Skytyping tribute to frontline workers

The UK's first skytyping display has been conducted to mark VE Day and pay tribute to frontline workers.

Messages such as We Will Meet Again and Thank You were etched in the sky above Henstridge airfield in Somerset.

The display was commissioned by the Department for Transport, which recently introduced a law change to allow skytyping and skywriting to take place.

The techniques were made illegal in the UK in the 1960s over safety concerns, but are used in many countries such as the US, Australia, France and Spain.

Skywriting was inadvertently discovered by an RAF pilot during the First World War, when oil accidentally entered a plane's exhaust, creating dense, white smoke.

2pm update:Should delayed 75th anniversary celebration be held after lockdown ends?

Many VE Day celebrations scheduled to take place across the country have been called off due to the coronavirus lockdown.

Do you think memorial events marking the 75th anniversary should be held at a later date to honour the war heroes? Vote in our Express.co.uk pollhere.

1.25pm update: PM to speak to world leaders for VE Day

Boris Johnson will speak with a number of world leaders to remember the events of VE Day 75 years ago.

He has already spoken to Russian president Vladimir Putin to "mark the partnership of British and Russian forces during the war".

The Prime Minister is due to speak with German chancellor Angela Merkel and Polish prime minister Mateusz Morawiecki.

1.15pm update: Macron and Merkel hold wreath-laying ceremonies

French President Emmanuel Macron held the traditional wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day.

In Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier laid wreaths at Berlin's Memorial to the Victims of War and Dictatorship.

12.30pm update: WW2 veteran shares emotional memories of VE Day

A Second World War veteran has recalled the jubilant scenes at his air force base as Prime Minister Winston Churchill announced the end of fighting following the surrender of Nazi Germany.

Flight Sergeant Eric Edis said: Someone shouted out the war is over!

I can remember Winston, dear Winston on the radio. They loved him.

I remember him thanking all the forces and everyone who had participated and helped us win the war.

It was not just the army and navy and air force, it was the civilians who helped as well and the firefighters and hospital staff. They were all part of winning the war. There was great joy.

11.15am update: UK falls silent in remembrance on VE Day anniversary

The UK fell silent at 11am to remember those who served in the Second World War.

The poignant moment was led by Prince Charles and Camilla, who each laid a wreath at a memorial near Balmoral.

10.45am update:PM pays tribute to wartime generation

In a video shared on social media, Boris Johnson said: Seventy-five years ago the people of this country celebrated victory against Hitlers aggression.

In cities scarred by enemy bombing the crowds gave thanks for a national exertion greater than anything else before or since.

What our country and our allies did was to save freedom not just here but everywhere.

The Prime Minister continued: We are now engaged in a new struggle against the coronavirus which demands the same spirit of national endeavour.

And that means we cant hold the parades and street celebrations we enjoyed in the past.

But all of us who were born since 1945 are acutely conscious that we owe everything we most value to the generation who won the Second World War.

Today we celebrate their achievement, we remember their sacrifice and we take pride in being their compatriots.

We are a free people because of everything they did and our gratitude will be eternal.

10.15am update: Red Arrows fly over London for VE Day

The RAF has staged a flypast with the Red Arrows soaring through the sky over London.

Typhoon fighter jets also crossed over Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast.

10.05am update: Sir Keir Starmer releases VE Day video message

The Labour leader said: Today we mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day and we remember the millions of people from across the UK and from across the world who came together in World War Two to fight for our shared values - values of freedom, of democracy, of peace and of tolerance.

We also pay tribute to those that rebuilt and renewed our country after the war.

Based on their values they built a better future.

9.50am update: Should VE Day always be a Bank Holiday?

VE Day is a Bank Holiday this year because the early May Day Bank Holiday, which is traditionally held on the first Monday of the month, has been moved back four days - but should it always be a public holiday?

Express.co.uk readers can vote in our poll on whether VE Day should always be a Bank Holiday.

The May Day Bank Holiday was last moved to May 8 in 1995 to mark the 50th anniversary of VE Day.

9.20am update: VE Day a very special day Captain Tom Moore

Second World War veteran Captain Tom Moore, who has raised more than 32 million for the NHS, told Good Morning Britain: "It's a very special day that is celebrating the end of a very fearsome war in Europe.

"But today it really is a very fine day, the sun is shining on us too, so I think we all need to be very happy that the war in Europe did come to an end.

"It was a very important day and everyone concerned was absolutely very pleased that this was the end... the bombing of London, the bombing of other cities... had come to an end.

"It was a very, very happy day."

9am update: Queen shares clip of King George VIs radio address

The Queen has shared a video on the Royal Familys social media of her father King George VIs radio address on May 8 1945.

The caption said: Today is the 75th anniversary of VE Day: the day when people across the Commonwealth marked the end of war in Europe with a mixture of jubilation and quiet reflection on the many sacrifices which had been made for peace.

8.30am update: GCHQ reveals last message from German Second World War network

The last recorded message to be intercepted from a German military communications network at the end of the Second World War has been revealed.

It shows that Britain's Bletchley Park code breakers carried on working in the dying days of the war to ensure there would be no final stand by the Nazis, according to GCHQ historian Tony Comer.

With the Allies closing in and the network having retreated to the German town of Cuxhaven, a messenger who is identified only as Lieutenant Kunkel sent out a statement.

The intercepted message, which was sent as he signed off on 7 May 1945 at 7.35am, said: "British troops entered Cuxhaven at 1400 on 6 May - from now on all radio traffic will cease - wishing you all the best. Lt Kunkel".

This was immediately followed by: "Closing down for ever - all the best - goodbye".

Bletchley Park code breakers were collecting communications from the German Brown network.

8.05am update: Prince William and Kate mark VE Day

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge shared a picture on social media of VE Day celebrations.

See the original post here:

VE Day LIVE: Queens says WW2 heroes would be proud of UK today in heartfelt tribute - Express

THE world is on high alert with tensions at boiling point between Iran and the US over the assassination of General Qasem Soleimani.

On January 8, Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles at US forces in Iraq in its first military retaliation, but is World War 3 on the cards?

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Iran has pulled out of a nuclear deal and President Donald Trump has threatened to hit the country harder should Iran retaliate.

The president tweeted: "Should Iran strike any U.S. person or target, the United States will quickly & fully strike back, & perhaps in a disproportionate manner."

World War Three has been trending on Twitter and Google after the US assassinated Iran's top general Qasem Soleimani in Iraq.

Boris Johnson said General Qasem Soleimani had "the blood of British troops on his hands" and warned Iran not to repeat "reckless" attacks after ballistic missiles were fired at Iraqi air bases.

People have been expressing serious concern across the globe that the move will cause the outbreak of World War Three as Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei promised "harsh vengeance", "jihad" and "crushing revenge".

But Iran has said it doesn't want war and its retaliation for the general's killing is "now over".

Trump retaliated to Iranian threats, saying he will unleash $2trillion worth of new military equipment if US bases are targeted.

Tehran pinpointed 35 "key US targets" to attack - and in response, the US has threatened to attack 52 Iranian targets "very fast and very hard" if they retaliate.

Searches for "World War 3" also spiked on Google within hours of the airstrike in Iraq overnight.

Google Trends recorded "Iran" as the most searched term in the UK, with more than 500,000 searches for the topic.

But despite the speculation around World War Three, the US and Iran are known for their rhetoric, and it is unclear what revenge, if any, there will be.

Rising tensions between Iran and the US haven't been the only thing to cause speculation of an all-out war, however.

Here's what's happened so far:

KIM BOMB UNKim Jong-un opens 'bomb-making factory' on first visit since death rumours

TRIGGER WARNINGKims death could spark war with US as Rodman prays for ailing dictator

KIM JONG GLOOMNorth Korea slams UK for 'illogical thinking' after Kim missile launches

BOMBS AWAYIran 'TRIPLES uranium stockpile and now has enough to make nuclear bomb'

PUTIN'S WARNINGRussia sends warships to Syria & tells Turkey its attack will end badly

ARMS RACEChina has made WW3 more likely today than it has been generations, experts warn

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Will there be a World War 3? Latest WW3 news as Iran and ...