Free Republic

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a fiery address at a torch-lighting ceremony marking Israel’s 70th Independence Day, declared that the Jewish state is becoming a “world power” and said its light will overcome its 'enemies' "darkness." “We’re turning Israel into a rising world power,” Netanyahu said at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem before lighting a torch on behalf of all the governments of Israel since the founding of the state.

China is set to showcase its military might in a parade commemorating the defeat of Japan in World War Two. Some 12,000 troops and 200 aircraft, as well as tanks and missiles, will go on display in Tiananmen Square in Beijing. More than 80% of the machinery will be shown in public for the first time, state media said. China's growing military capabilities will be keenly watched amid geo-political tensions in the region. President Xi Jinping, who is also commander of the armed forces, will be centre stage at the proceedings along with more than 30 foreign government officials and...

On 7 May 1945, Germany signed an unconditional surrender at Allied headquarters in Reims, France, to take effect the following day, ending the second world war in Europe. In this gallery, we look back at VE Day and the events leading up to Germany's surrender.

The Russian and Serbian leaders watched as jets, including a Russian aerobatic team, flew in formation over Belgrade to applause from the crowd. More than 3,000 Serbian soldiers took part in the parade, marching in heavy rain, with tanks, rockets and boats all featuring.... The event is likely to play well among Serbs and Russians nostalgic for Yugoslavia and the Soviet Union. In another nod to the two countries' historic relations, a statue of Russia's last Tsar, Nicholas II, was erected this week in Belgrade.

Edward Saylor still vividly remembers the Chinese boy who helped save his life. In the days after his plane crashed into the waters just off China’s coast, Mr. Saylor, now 92, and four other Doolittle Tokyo Raiders were desperate and hungry — but they had survived a daring mission that was America’s first military strike against the Imperial Japanese homeland, four months after the infamous sneak attack on Pearl Harbor. “The thought hits you, where you’re at, what you’ve got to do. … We don’t speak the language, what do we do now? That’s what was going through our heads,”...

General Info: March 19-20, 2011 (Saturday and Sunday) 09:00-16:00 (9AM – 4PM)ADMISSION IS FREE! Concessions will be available to purchase food and drinks. Cooler stations with free water will be located throughout the show area.Parking Info Click on the image to the left for a larger and printable view of map.Be advised traffic in the areas surrounding Luke Air Force Base will be heavy on March 19 – 20, 2011 so make sure to plan for it.  There will be limited access between Camelback Rd. and Olive Ave. and between Reems Rd. and the AZ Loop 101.University of Phoenix/Cardinals...