During one of the most turbulent periods in global history, seven future United States presidents answered the call to serve in World War II. From commanding world-defining operations to behind-the-scenes support, these leaders personally witnessed the harrowing realities of war. The military service of Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, and George H.W. Bush not only shaped their individual characters but also their philosophies, decisions, leadership styles, and legacies as president.1. Dwight D. Eisenhower: Supreme Allied CommanderEisenhower meeting with Soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division before D-Day, 1944. Source: Library of Congress.Based on Dwight D. Eisenhowers pivotal role during World War II, it is no surprise that both the Democratic and Republican parties considered him a potential presidential candidate. As the Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force in Europe, Eisenhower led arguably the most complex and consequential military operation in modern history: Operation Overlord, commonly known as D-Day. The 1944 invasion of Europe freed the continent from Axis occupation, and Eisenhowers strategic expertise undeniably enabled Allied victory over Nazi Germany. The skills Eisenhower developed during the war would define his presidency shortly after the conflicts end.As a talented decision-maker, conflict manager, and risk taker, Eisenhower was well suited to lead the United States through uncertain times at the onset of the Cold War. After becoming president in 1953, Eisenhower boldly resisted Soviet expansion in spite of their wartime alliance against Nazi Germany. Today, Eisenhowers presidential legacy rests on his commitment to liberty and partnership, as illustrated by service as the first supreme commander of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization from 1950 to 1952, and the improvements he made to the American highway system as president, which were inspired by the autobahns of Germany. Certainly, Eisenhowers key political victories evidence how challenges faced in war can result in international prosperity and progress.2. John F. Kennedy: Patrol Torpedo Boat CommanderJohn F. Kennedy stands next to his sister, Jean Kennedy Smith, and King Mohammed hir Shh and Queen Humaira Begum of Afghanistan, 1963. Source: Library of Congress.Due to John F. Kennedys tragic assassination in 1963, the presidents military service during World War II is largely overlooked. Kennedy, however, served as a United States Navy Patrol Torpedo (PT) boat commander of USS PT-109 in the South Pacific after graduating from Harvard University. Kennedy received a Navy and Marine Corps Medal and a Purple Heart for helping his crewmates survive while heavily wounded after a Japanese destroyer collided with and sank their ship in 1943. After several days stranded on remote islands, Kennedy helped a rescue crew locate his men, but two sailors did not survive the ordeal. Despite this hardship, Kennedy returned to service by taking command of another vessel, PT-59, until his injuries warranted treatment in the United States in 1944.Kennedy carried this toughness into his presidency. His military service added a necessary depth to match public perceptions of the political candidates charm and charisma. Most notably, Kennedys diplomacy, ability to make quick decisions under stress, and understanding of the horrors of war enabled his administration to avoid a possible nuclear war during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Similarly, the presidents expansion of the American space program helped the United States gain decisive advantage against the Soviet Union amid stark economic, political, and technological competition. Without unique experiences formulated during World War II, Kennedy may not have been as well equipped to handle a challenging period of uncertainty.3. Lyndon B. Johnson: Naval Advisor to President RooseveltThen-Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson in Vietnam, 1961. Source: Library of Congress.Prior to World War II, Lyndon B. Johnson was a young congressman representing his native state of Texas. Immediately following the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, Johnson volunteered for active-duty service in the United States Naval Reserve. At first, he was assigned to the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, where the congressman navigated logistical and staffing issues in support of the war effort. The following year, President Franklin D. Roosevelt appointed Johnson as his personal representative to the Navy. In this role, Johnsons life changed while on a survey mission in the Pacific when the Japanese bombed his position. For his efforts as a volunteer observer during this attack, Johnson earned a Silver Star which he proudly displayed every day of his presidency. Though his time overseas was short-lived, the event helped bolster Johnsons political image.After becoming president in the wake of Kennedys assassination, Johnson escalated military operations during the Vietnam War based on his history and experience as a strategic military planner. Aside from his efforts to limit the spread of communism, Johnson launched an ambitious domestic social reform program. Key legacies of Johnsons Great Society program include major civil rights legislation and the introduction of Medicare and Medicaid. As such, it is evident that as president, Johnson continued to pursue what he thought was right for the United States both at home and abroad. This attention can be attributed to his time in the Pacific Theater during World War II.4. Richard Nixon: Naval Operations OfficerRichard Nixon greeting members of the Chinese national table tennis team at the White House, 1972. Source: Library of Congress.Despite a legacy dominated by the Watergate scandal and his subsequent resignation, Richard Nixons devotion to service runs deeper than his time in the White House. After enlisting in the Navy in 1942, Nixon received instruction as an aviator at the Naval Training School in Quonset Point, Rhode Island, subsequently serving as an operations officer in the Pacific. Looking for more excitement, Nixon volunteered for sea duty and soon found himself overlooking the South Pacific Combat Air Transport Command at Guadalcanal and Green Island. During his time overseas, Nixon was responsible for planning and executing various military aerial missions, where he proved invaluable during logistical and administrative planning. These skills enhanced Nixons approach to leadership and diplomacy as president.After serving as Eisenhowers vice president between 1953 and 1961 and losing the 1960 election to Kennedy, Nixon won the 1968 election and became president the following January.Key policies of the Nixon administration revolved around dtente, the strategy of purposeful de-escalation of international tensions. In addition to easing hostilities between the United States, the Soviet Union, and China, Nixons military experiences informed his decision to end American presence in Vietnam while maintaining a strong national security posture. It is likely that Nixons first-hand observations during World War II resulted in the presidents commitment to peace without forgetting the value of a strong military.5. Gerald Ford: Aircraft Carrier Assistant NavigatorGerald Ford inspects American troops alongside Liberian President William Tolbert, 1976. Source: Library of Congress.Like several other presidents who served in World War II, Gerald Ford joined the US Navy in 1942. As a junior officer in the Naval Reserve, Ford served aboard the light aircraft carrier USS Monterey, where he fulfilled anti-aircraft and assistant navigator roles. His experience playing center for the University of Michigans American football team as it back-to-back national championships in 1932-33 made Ford a natural leader aboard the ship. One of the most significant events during his service, however, was faced outside of direct combat. In December 1944, Fords ship encountered Typhoon Cobra, a storm that sank three destroyers and killed hundreds of sailors. The extreme weather caused a fire to break out on the Monterey, but Ford led firefighting operations to save the ship and his fellow sailors from immense damage and death despite severe storm conditions.Molded by triumph through adversity during Typhoon Cobra, Fords presidency is marked by resilience. While president, Ford faced two huge challenges: withdrawing from Vietnam and the aftermath of the Watergate scandal. Each decision represented a threat to his political career, but Ford chose to prioritize national unity. Ending the Vietnam conflict and pardoning Richard Nixon may have contributed to his loss against Jimmy Carter when seeking re-election in 1976, but Ford stood by his morals strengthened by disaster in World War II. Ford committed to political service for decades following his presidency, highlighting a life of service.6. Ronald Reagan: Film CreatorRonald Reagan (right) with Israeli officials outside the White House, 1983. Source: Library of Congress.Ronald Reagans military service is more unique among presidents. Due to his poor eyesight, Reagan was ineligible to serve in combat roles during World War II. Instead, the actor performed his military duties in the First Motion Picture Unit of the United States Army Air Forces. There, Reagan leveraged his expertise as a Hollywood regular by creating training videos and propaganda films to support the war effort. Reagans behind-the-scenes work to increase public and financial support for Allied troops paved the way to an unmatched appreciation for communication skills and the importance of public perception. These experiences intensified his natural ability to connect with everyday Americans.Reagans service in World War II directly resulted in several initiatives that heightened the presence of the United States military during the 1980s. For example, Reagan executed robust defense policies and operations against drug smugglers and traffickers, commonly known as the War on Drugs, whom he perceived as a threat to national security. Simultaneously, the former actor deliberately strengthened and modernized the military through increasing defense spending. The effects of these policies can still be seen today through routine American countering of the international drug trade and unparalleled military spending.7. George H. W. Bush: Naval AviatorGeorge H. W. Bush as the United States United Nations Ambassador, 1971-1973. Source: Library of Congress.George H. W. Bush was elected president over four decades after World War II ended. During the conflict, Bush was the youngest aviator in the United States Navy. A quick learner, Bush enlisted in 1942 and was quickly sent to the Pacific to execute bombing missions. On one such bombardment, Bushs plane was struck by anti-aircraft artillery, forcing the future president and his crewmates to bail out of the plane. While he was eventually rescued by an American submarine, two of his peers did not survive, instilling a deep appreciation for the sacrifices and commitments required of war.The outcomes of military service on President Bush can be seen in swift response during the Gulf War. After learning of Saddam Husseins invasion of Kuwait, Bush promptly authorized Operation Desert Storm to support Kuwait, which the United States liberated in a matter of weeks. Bushs decision to use the United States military to confront Iraqi aggression saw the former naval aviators approval rating soar as high as 90% following the conflict. Bush additionally oversaw a peaceful conclusion to the Cold War, bringing an end to a period of uncertainty and anxiety that many World War II veteran presidents struggled to deal with.World War II had a major impact on the United States and its allies in the five decades following the conflict regardless of individual responsibilities during the war. Each diverse experience contributed to the development of unique insights that directly influenced how each president navigated complex geopolitical scenarios. In most cases, the lessons that the seven presidents learned during their wartime service enhanced their decision-making abilities in the Oval Office.

Mexican pyramids are a key feature of ancient Mesoamerican architecture. While they share some similarities with Egyptian pyramids, these structures have flat tops, often with temples built on them, and stairways that rise along their sides. The stairways resemble ancient Mesopotamian Ziggurats.That said, the largest pyramid in the world by sheer size is the Great Pyramid of Cholula and is located in the east-central Mexican state of Puebla. Builders of some classic Mesoamerican pyramids decorated them with illustrations related to prominent myths such as the Hero Twins, creation myths, and ritual sacrifices. The stories were sometimes inscribed on pyramids through hieroglyphic illustrations. For example, The Temple of the Inscriptions situated in the ancient Maya city of Palenque features hieroglyphic inscriptions that illustrate the history of the ancient city and its rulers such as Pakal. It also served as his tomb. Pakals tomb was discovered in 1952 by Mexican archaeologist Alberto Ruz Lhuillier.Who Built the Mexican Pyramids?The pyramid at Chichn Itz, an ancient Maya city in Yucatn State, Mexico. Source: Wikipedia Commons.Early Mexican civilizations like the Maya, Olmec, Zapotec, and the Aztec built their pyramids for many purposes that ranged from housing their gods to burying their kings. The creations can still be seen across Mexico today.Temple-pyramids were the center of public life in many of their cities, and the place for sacred ceremonies, including human sacrifice. That said, some of the most popular Mexican pyramids are the Pyramid of the Moon, the Pyramid of the Sun, and El Castillo.The Pyramid of the Sun. Source: WikipediaIn regards to the most well-known pyramids in Teotihuacan, such as the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon, it is believed that the Teotihuacn civilization (the standard term for the unknown civilization) lived there between 150 BCE to 650 CE and built them during this period. It is still unknown who exactly built them.What Are the Unique Features of Olmec Pyramids?The Great Pyramid in La Venta. Source: WikimediaThe Olmec were among the first major Mesoamerican civilizations. They emerged along the Gulf Coast of Mexico around 1200 BC and are believed to have been among the first societies in the region to build religious temples and pyramids that later cultures such as the Aztecs and the Maya derived inspiration from. Like many Mexican and Mesoamerican societies, the Olmec offered blood sacrifices to their gods through human sacrifices. The sacrifices were regularly carried out in sacred places such as the pyramids. The Great Pyramid in La Venta, one of their pyramids, is considered to be one of the earliest known pyramids.San Lorenzo, the first Olmec city, was mostly deserted by around 900 BCE. It was about that time that La Venta became a major Olmec city. The Olmec Great Pyramid of La Venta was built in the city and is hailed as one of the largest Mesoamerican structures of its era. Even after 2500 years of weathering, it still stands at a height of 100 feet. The monumental pyramid featured mosaic pavements and was largely made using tons of clay. It also has ceremonial gifts such as statues and pottery.What Are the Main Characteristics of Aztec Pyramids?Map of the Aztec Empire in 1519 within Mesoamerica. Source: WikipediaThe Aztec pyramids were built in levels. In that sense, the Aztec pyramids are more like the Mesopotamian ones. The Aztecs built some of the most impressive pyramids between the 14th and 16th centuries. The pyramids were built for religious purposes and typically had temples on top of them. Building pyramid temples was an important architectural undertaking for the Aztecs because of their religious significance.The Aztecs sacrificed people, often prisoners of war at the top of the pyramids. The practice is one of the well-documented segments of Aztec cultural history. Today, some Aztec pyramid ruins are still intact.What Are the Unique Qualities of Mayan Pyramids?Mayan city-states that have existed in Central America. Source: WikipediaThe city-states of the Maya civilization controlled southern Mesoamerica intermittently for hundreds of years. The Maya built grand cities and huge pyramids in difficult jungle terrain. It is especially surprising that they did this without relying on wheels to carry large limestone blocks from faraway mountain quarries to their building sites. It is hypothesized that they largely relied on human strength.It is believed that they carried smaller blocks with a tumpline, which is a backpack held by a strap that went around the forehead. By distributing the weight to the neck and the spine instead of the arms, the tumpline allowed them to carry heavier loads. Like other pre-metalworking civilizations, the Maya fashioned tools such as chisels from rocks like obsidian and jadeite. Craftsmen used the tools to make decorations on building structures.The ancient Maya were also very interested in space and time. They carefully studied the stars and aligned their cities and pyramids with complex astronomical patterns such as equinoxes. Examples of Mayan Pyramids in Mexico include El Castillo, Nohoch Mul, the Pyramid of the Magician, and Ek Balam.

Vermonts history runs deep, from becoming the first state to abolish slavery in 1777 to playing a vital role in the Revolutionary War through the Battle of Bennington. The Green Mountain States legacy is etched into its architecture, village greens, and industrial landmarks. Historic sites like the Vermont State House, the Bennington Battle Monument, and Hildene preserve this heritage. But beyond the museums and monuments, Vermont is home to small towns where the past is still present, in stone villages, covered bridges, and 18th-century inns. Here are ten must-visit historic towns that showcase the states enduring charm and significance.1. WoodstockDowntown Woodstock, Vermont. Source: Wikimedia CommonsChartered in 1761, Woodstock stands as a testament to early American history and charm. Designated the Shire Town of Windsor County in 1786, it quickly evolved into a hub for entrepreneurs and artisans, later transforming into a sought-after tourist destination with the advent of the railway in the late 19th century.Visitors are drawn to its well-preserved 18th- and 19th-century architecture, the iconic Middle Covered Bridge, and the picturesque Village Green. The Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park offers insights into Americas conservation history, while the Billings Farm & Museum showcases Vermonts agricultural heritage . Downtown, the Woodstock History Center delves into local narratives, and the Woodstock Town Hall Theatre, dating back to 1900, continues to host cultural events.2. BenningtonBennington Battle Monument, Bennington, Vermont. Source: Wikimedia CommonsChartered in 1749, its Vermonts oldest town and the site of a critical Revolutionary War victory. The 306-foot Bennington Battle Monument towers above the town, honoring the 1777 clash that helped turn the tide against British forces.But Benningtons story doesnt stop at war. Walk through Old Bennington, where narrow streets lead past 18th-century homes and the beautifully preserved Old First Church, gathered in 1762. The poet Robert Frost is buried here, fittingly among the granite and green.At the Bennington Museum, history and art converge, home to the largest public collection of Grandma Moses paintings and rotating exhibits of regional artifacts. Nearby, covered bridges still span quiet streams.3. MiddleburyMain Street and Congregational Church, Middlebury, Vermont. Source: Wikimedia CommonsMiddlebury, chartered in 1761 and settled after the American Revolution, quickly became one of the states most important industrial and educational centers. Located along Otter Creek, the town developed around water-powered mills, stone buildings, and trade routes that connected early Vermont communities.A major highlight is Middlebury College, founded in 1800. It remains a cornerstone of the towns identity, contributing to a vibrant downtown filled with bookshops, museums, and historic architecture. The Pulp Mill Covered Bridge, one of the oldest of its kind in the nation, still spans Otter Creek and reflects the areas early infrastructure.When visiting, you can explore the Henry Sheldon Museum, the oldest community-based museum in the United States, which offers extensive exhibits on local history and culture. Middleburys compact, walkable center makes it easy to enjoy historic inns, original 19th-century storefronts, and scenic views.4. ManchesterEquinox Hotel in Manchester Village, Vermont. Source: Wikimedia CommonsFounded in 1761, Manchester played a key role in southern Vermonts early development. It served as a county seat and stagecoach hub, later becoming a retreat for wealthy urbanites in the 19th century. Today, Manchester blends its historical foundations with modern appeal, making it a popular year-round destination.The towns historic centerpiece is Hildene, the Lincoln family estate. Built by Robert Todd Lincoln in 1905, the Georgian Revival mansion offers guided tours, preserved furnishings, and a working farm. The nearby Equinox Hotel, established in 1769, has hosted presidents and military leaders and remains a symbol of colonial-era hospitality.Manchester also features the American Museum of Fly Fishing and several 19th-century churches and civic buildings. The marble sidewalks and restored storefronts in the town center reflect a commitment to preservation.5. StoweStowe, Vermont in winter. Source: FlickrStowe grew from a small agricultural settlement into one of Vermonts best-known destinations after it was chartered in 1763. While today its famous for skiing, the village itself has retained much of its 19th-century charm and historic integrity.Stowes walkable downtown features preserved Greek Revival and Federal-style buildings, a classic white-steepled church, and the 1844 Green Mountain Inn. The Stowe Historical Society Museum, located in a restored one-room schoolhouse, offers a closer look at local life over the past two centuries.One of the areas most photographed sites is the covered bridge known as Emilys Bridge, dating to 1844 and wrapped in local legend. The Stowe Recreation Path also gives visitors a scenic view of the towns historic core and rural landscape.Though often associated with outdoor sports, Stowes rich heritage, architecture, and long-standing inns make it equally appealing for history lovers.6. MontpelierVermont State House in Montpelier, Vermont. Source: Wikimedia CommonsEstablished in 1787 and designated Vermonts state capital in 1805, Montpelier is the smallest capital city in the U.S. by population, but its historical and political importance far outweighs its size. The town developed around government and commerce, with early settlers drawn to its location along the Winooski River.The Vermont State House, completed in 1859, remains the centerpiece. With its gold dome and granite faade, its one of the best-preserved state capitols in the country. Visitors can tour the building year-round and walk through adjoining historic districts filled with 19th-century homes, churches, and civic buildings.Montpelier is also home to the Vermont Historical Society Museum, located in a restored 19th-century school, offering exhibits on everything from early settlement to modern legislation.Unlike other capitals, Montpelier has no fast-food franchises downtown, preserving its independent, small-town feel.7. VergennesDowntown Vergennes, Vermont. Source: Wikimedia CommonsIncorporated in 1788, Vergennes holds the title of Vermonts oldest and smallest city. Named after French diplomat Charles Gravier, Comte de Vergennes, it was founded at the junction of three towns, Waltham, Ferrisburgh, and Panton, strategically located on Otter Creek.Despite its small size, Vergennes played a major role in American naval history. During the War of 1812, Commodore Thomas Macdonough oversaw the construction of a fleet here at the citys falls. These ships later contributed to the U.S. victory at the Battle of Plattsburgh in 1814.Today, the city retains its historic layout and industrial-era architecture. Visitors can view remnants of the Monkton Iron Works and stroll along the restored downtown filled with brick buildings, local shops, and cafs. Nearby, Vergennes Falls Park offers a scenic look at the same waters that once powered its industries.8. GraftonGrafton Village Historic District, Vermont. Source: Wikimedia CommonsGrafton, chartered in 1754, stands as one of Vermonts best-preserved historic villages, not by accident, but through deliberate restoration. Once a bustling sheep-farming and stagecoach town, Grafton fell into decline by the early 20th century. In the 1960s, the Windham Foundation stepped in, buying and restoring key buildings to revive the town without losing its heritage.Today, nearly every structure in the village center dates back to the 18th or 19th century. The Grafton Inn, in operation since 1801, has hosted everyone from Ulysses S. Grant to Rudyard Kipling. The towns blacksmith shop, schoolhouse, and general store all reflect original craftsmanship and local character.Visitors can explore the Grafton Historical Society Museum, enjoy quiet walking tours, and stop by the Grafton Village Cheese Company, which continues Vermonts artisanal food tradition.9. ChesterChester, Vermont downtown. Source: Wikimedia CommonsChartered in 1754, Chester is a Southern Vermont town best known for its rare collection of 19th-century stone houses. Located along the Williams River, it developed steadily through agriculture, small manufacturing, and as a waypoint between major routes.What sets Chester apart is its Stone Village, a unique cluster of homes built in the 1830s from locally quarried granite. These Greek Revival structures are so distinctive that the area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can take a self-guided walking tour to appreciate the craftsmanship and symmetry of these preserved residences.Beyond the Stone Village, Chesters village green is surrounded by antique shops, inns, and galleries housed in buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. The Chester Depot area, once a railroad hub, still features a historic train station and classic Vermont charm.10. BrandonBrandon, Vermont. Source: Wikimedia CommonsFounded in 1761, Brandon grew into a model 19th-century New England town through planned development and industrial growth. Unlike many villages that expanded organically, Brandons layout was shaped deliberately, with a broad main street and structured downtown, elements still visible today.By the mid-1800s, Brandon was a center for ironworks, marble processing, and manufacturing, powered by the Neshobe River. Over 240 buildings in the town are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, spanning Greek Revival, Federal, and Victorian styles. The towns cohesive architectural character is a result of long-standing efforts to preserve and reuse its historic core.Brandon also embraces its creative side. Its known as the Art and Soul of Vermont, with studios, galleries, and public art integrated into everyday life. Birthplace of U.S. statesman Stephen A. Douglas, Brandon balances deep historic roots with a strong sense of civic pride and cultural engagement.

While Overwatch 2 Stadium is the breath of fresh air Blizzards hero shooter has needed for a long time now, its not perfect. Introducing upgrades and consistent growth between matches presents new balancing challenges, and while the WoW and Diablo maker has faced them head on, its not been easy. In fact, game director Aaron Keller is admitting that, while Blizzard wants you to feel OP during Stadium matches, some of the builds have gone too far. So with the Street Fighter 6 collaboration around the corner, Stadium changes are on the way, too. Continue reading Overwatch 2 Stadium wants you to feel OP, but Blizzard says it's "gone too far"MORE FROM PCGAMESN: All Overwatch 2 characters, Best Overwatch 2 settings, Overwatch 2 tier list

A new Diablo 4 update is on the way, and theres good news for everyone as Blizzard unleashes buffs across every class in its RPG. With Season 8 well underway, the developer has decided to dodge the nerfs and instead bring some of its weaker builds more up to speed. The big winners here are Barbarians and Spiritborns, but theres always a chance we might see some new favorites pop up as a result of the changes. Theres also a new way to spend your excess Spectral Ash, and some impactful bug fixes that might shake up the tier list. Continue reading Diablo 4 update brings buffs to all classes, and it's great news for BarbariansMORE FROM PCGAMESN: Diablo 4 builds, Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred review, Diablo 4 classes

Your mornings just got a little more exciting with this elotes-style breakfast scramble recipe, which features corn, cotija, and a sour cream sauce.

I instantly wanted a cup of tea. READ MORE...

Were thrilled to announce that Ellen Chisa, partner at Boldstart Ventures, will be joining us at TechCrunch All Stage 2025 for an energizing conversation about investing in enterprise startups from day one. Shes one of the standout voices shaping this years lineup of founders, funders, and operators gathering July 15 in Bostons SoWa Power Station, []

U.S. envoy draws red line on uranium enrichment as Trump prepares Middle East visit. By yourNEWS Media Newsroom The outcome of ongoing U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations could hinge entirely on the next round

Bronze figure captures defiant moment following July 2024 shooting; unveiled alongside signing of four regulatory rollback bills. By yourNEWS Media Newsroom President Donald Trump on Friday unveiled a