The post shares a heartwarming video of a U.S. soldier surprising his three young children by hiding inside a massive wrapped gift box during Christmas unboxing, leading to joyful hugs and tears, with Turkish end credits suggesting a repost from viral family content. Authored by , a PhD in musicology and teacher focused on positive memes and art, the clip amassed 12,000+ likes and 700,000+ views in two days, amplifying themes of military family sacrifices amid holiday nostalgia. Replies echo the sentiment with similar stories of child surprises, like superhero visits to sick kids or grandpa gifts, fostering a thread of communal warmth without controversy.
Reid Clanton returned to Omaha Beach recently, retracing a moment he first lived as a young soldier on June 6, 1944. Clanton, now more than 100 years old, stepped on the same sand where he once landed as part of the Allied invasion of Normandy. Footage shared online captured his voice and presence as he touched the beach for the first time in decades, bringing back memories of one of the most intense battles of World War II.
Clanton was one of the soldiers who landed on Omaha Beach on D‑Day, a day that marked a major Allied effort to open a front in Western Europe. In recent clips, he walked slowly across the sand, pausing to reflect on that earlier time. As he placed his feet on the ground, viewers could hear his words and feel the weight of what returning meant. Others around him spoke with respect and gratitude, recalling the sacrifices made by thousands who fought there.
This visit was not just a personal moment for Clanton but also a reminder for all who saw it of the scale of that operation. On June 6, 1944, more than 150,000 Allied troops landed on the Normandy coast, with thousands facing heavy resistance. Omaha Beach was one of the hardest‑fought sectors, where many soldiers were wounded or killed as they came ashore.
Memories Of War And Brotherhood
Clanton has spoken in other settings about his time in the war and the memories that stayed with him. In past interviews, he described landing under fire and watching friends fall, experiences that shaped his view of life long after the conflict ended. His return to Omaha Beach brought those memories into the present, helping younger generations understand what happened there.
The moment captured on video showed Clanton touching the sand and speaking with emotion. His words, shared by those who posted the clip, offered simple but deep respect for his fellow soldiers. “Reid, we honor you and your brothers‑in‑arms with deep gratitude,” a voice said as he stood on the beach.
Honoring The Past
Scenes like these remind observers of the human side of historical events. Veterans like Clanton brought history to life not through books but through presence. As he stood on the same shore where he once fought, his reflection and silence said much about survival, loss, and memory.
These moments help keep the memory of that day alive, connecting those who were there with people who study and remember events decades later. Clanton’s return to Omaha Beach allowed him to reflect, feel the sand again, and share a piece of history that shaped the world.
True Hero: The Man Who Stopped the Bondi Mass Shooting
In a world often shaken by tragedy, it’s the quiet courage of ordinary people that restores our faith in humanity. One such man—whose name is quickly becoming synonymous with heroism—risked everything to stop a mass shooting at Bondi Beach. Today, he lies in a hospital bed, recovering from surgery, surrounded by flowers, cards, and the gratitude of a nation.
Eyewitnesses recall the chaos that erupted when the gunman opened fire. Amid screams and panic, this brave individual charged toward danger, disarming the attacker and preventing further bloodshed. His selfless act saved countless lives, turning what could have been a devastating massacre into a moment of collective resilience.
Now awake and healing, his bandaged arm and IV lines tell a story of sacrifice. But it’s the look in his eyes—a mix of exhaustion and quiet pride—that speaks volumes. He didn’t act for recognition. He acted because it was right.
Messages of support have poured in from across the country. Strangers call him a guardian angel. Families who were at Bondi that day say they owe him everything. And while he remains humble, the impact of his actions will echo far beyond the hospital walls.
This is more than a story of survival. It’s a reminder that heroes walk among us. They don’t wear capes. They wear courage.
In Newbury, Ohio, 6-year-old John Oliver “J.O.” Zippay finally experienced the moment every child battling illness dreams of. After nearly three years of fighting acute lymphoblastic leukemia, he completed his final round of chemotherapy on December 27. For a child who spent countless days in hospitals, enduring treatments and missing out on the simple joys of childhood, this was a victory long awaited.
When J.O. returned to St. Helen Catholic School, he was welcomed with a standing ovation from classmates and teachers. The school held a small assembly, showing a video of his journey and celebrating his incredible strength. His parents, who lived through every difficult night and every painful procedure with him, were overwhelmed with relief and gratitud
He had no training with assault rifles, no plan beyond stopping the killing. Yet as panicked crowds scattered along Campbell Parade, 43-year-old shopkeeper Ahmed Al Ahmed crept behind parked cars, launched himself at an armed terrorist, and ripped the weapon from his hands. Instead of firing it back into the chaos, he laid the gun on the ground. Moments later, a second shooter on a nearby bridge cut him down in a hail of bullets that shredded his arm and shoulder, leaving doctors unsure if they can save the limb.
From his hospital bed, riddled with wounds, Ahmed told loved ones he would do it again. His parents, watching from afar, spoke not of fear, but of pride: their son, a former security officer who fled war, had become the face of Australian courage. As funerals begin and flowers pile high at Bondi, donations and tributes pour in from presidents, billionaires, and strangers who know this much: when terror came, one man ran toward it so others could live.
The two U.S. soldiers who were killed in an attack in Syria were members of the Iowa National Guard, state officials said over the weekend.
On Monday, the soldiers were identified as Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres Tovar, 25, of Des Moines, Iowa, and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, of Marshalltown, Iowa.
“Our hearts are heavy today, and our prayers and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of our soldiers killed in action,” Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds said in a statement.
“I ask that all Iowans stand united in supporting them and lifting them up in prayer during this incredibly difficult time,” she added. “Please pray also for the fast and full recovery of our wounded soldiers.”
An American civilian was also killed, the office said in a statement, adding that three others were injured in the attack.
The two soldiers who died were attacked while they were “conducting a key leader engagement as part of their assigned mission in the ongoing counter-ISIS and counter-terrorism efforts in the region,” the governor’s office said.
“It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the loss of two of our own,” said Maj. Gen. Stephen Osborn, adjutant general of the Iowa National Guard, in a statement.
About 1,800 Iowa Army National Guard soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, began deploying to the Middle East in late May 2025, the governor’s office said.
“Our priority right now is supporting the families of our fallen and wounded Soldiers,” Osborn added. “The entire Iowa National Guard grieves for this terrible loss, and we stand together to support the Soldiers and their families.”
Australia has officially introduced a groundbreaking law that restricts children under the age of 16 from accessing social media accounts, marking the first nationwide ban of its kind in the world. The law came into effect today and aims to address growing concerns about the impact of social media on young people’s mental health, safety, and well-being.
According to Australian authorities, the decision follows years of research and public debate linking excessive social media use among children and teenagers to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, cyberbullying, and exposure to harmful content. The government argues that the digital environment has evolved faster than protections for minors, leaving many children vulnerable online.
Under the new law, social media platforms are required to take active steps to prevent users under 16 from creating or maintaining accounts. While the exact enforcement mechanisms will be phased in, platforms may face significant penalties if they fail to comply. Parents will also be encouraged to play a stronger role in monitoring their children’s online activity.
ABC correspondent Hanna Battah reports that supporters of the ban see it as a necessary intervention. “This is about giving kids time to grow without constant online pressure,” one advocate explained. “Childhood should not be dominated by likes, algorithms, and comparison.”
However, the law has also sparked strong criticism. Opponents argue that a blanket ban may oversimplify a complex issue. Mental health experts and digital rights groups warn that banning social media entirely could isolate some young people, particularly those who rely on online communities for support, identity, or connection—especially in remote or marginalized communities.
Critics also raise practical concerns about enforcement. They question how platforms will accurately verify users’ ages without creating new privacy risks, and whether tech-savvy teens will simply find ways around the restrictions. Some argue that education, digital literacy, and stronger content moderation might be more effective than an outright ban.
Despite the debate, Australia’s move is already attracting global attention. Several countries are closely watching the rollout of the law, considering whether similar measures could be adopted elsewhere. As governments worldwide grapple with how to protect children in an increasingly digital world, Australia’s decision could set a powerful precedent.
Whether the ban will significantly improve young people’s mental health remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the conversation around children, technology, and responsibility is far from over—and Australia has placed itself at the center of that global discussion.
An incredible $1 million has been raised for the hero bystander who tackled one of the alleged gunmen during the Bondi Beach terror attack.
At least 15 people have tragically died and dozens more have been injured as two gunmen opened fire on families gathered on Syndey’s Bondi Beach on Sunday (December 14) in what is now being declared a terrorist incident.
The horrific attack unfolded as more than 1,000 Jewish people came together to celebrate Hannukah.
A 10-year-old girl, a Holocaust survivor, a British Rabbi, a retired New South Wales police officer and a French national are among the victims who have been named so far.
The suspected gunmen, who stand accused of launching the deadliest attack on Australian soil in three decades, have since been identified as a father-and-son duo, Sajid Akram, 50, and Naveed, 24.
While Sajid was declared dead at the scene, Naveed is reportedly in critical condition in hospital.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has since claimed the pair were acting alone and were not part of a wider cell, though they were ‘clearly’ motivated by extremism.
Despite the tragedy, Australia and the rest of the world have been eagerly awaiting to find out if an innocent civilian who took matters into his own hands by managing to disarm one of the gunmen amid the killing spree has recovered from his injuries.
Ahmad Al Ahmed’s heroic actions touched the world as he could be seen in a clip that has since gone viral, putting his own life at risk as he tackled the gunman.
Ahmed, who moved to Australia from Syria in 2006, was first spotted crouching down behind parked cars while the suspected shooter was spraying bullets with his back turned.
As screams could be heard ringing out in the nail-biting moment, Ahmed then jumped out from behind the cars and onto the back of the suspect, where he wrestled him in a tense tussle over the rifle.
Fortunately, Ahmed managed to seize the weapon, which he proceeded to point at the suspect.
The father-of-two has since been praised for his incredible act of courage, which probably saved countless more lives as people fled the beach.
A fundraiser for the 43-year-old Sydney fruit shop owner has since raised more than $1 million, and is inching closer to far surpassing that amount as the minutes go by.
Billionaire Bill Ackman, a Jewish investment banker, is said to have donated $99,000 in the GoFundMe.
The GoFundMe set up to ‘show our gratitude and support’ for the father reads: “After witnessing the extraordinary actions of the hero who helped disarm one of the attackers during the Bondi tragedy, an act that prevented the loss of countless more lives, we felt compelled to act.
“In a moment of chaos and danger, he stepped forward without hesitation. His actions were selfless, instinctive, and undeniably heroic, taken without regard for his own safety. Early reports indicate he was shot twice in the process while protecting others.”
Ahmed’s family has confirmed he was injured in the attack, sustaining gunshot wounds to his arm and hand, though fortunately, he appears to be on the mend.
His cousin, Mustafa, told 7News Australia: “He is a hero, 100 percent he is a hero. He has two shots, one in his arm and one in his hand.”
In an update today, he added: “I hope he will be fine. I saw him last night. He was alright but we’re waiting to see what the doctor (says).”
His father added: “When he did what he did, he wasn’t thinking about the background of the people he’s saving, the people dying in the street. He doesn’t discriminate between one nationality and another. Especially here in Australia, there’s no difference between one citizen and another.”
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has also visited Ahmed in hospital, writing on Twitter: “Ahmed is a real-life hero. Last night, his incredible bravery no doubt saved countless lives when he disarmed a terrorist at enormous personal risk.
“It was an honour to spend time with him just now and to pass on the thanks of people across NSW.
“There is no doubt that more lives would have been lost if not for Ahmed’s selfless courage.”
At approximately 18.47pm local time today (Sunday, December 14), New South Wales police responded to reports of gunfire at the popular Australian beach where more than 1,000 people were celebrating the Jewish holiday, Hanukkah.
Cops have now confirmed 12 people have died, including one alleged gunman. Another suspect remains in critical condition while dozens more, at least 29 at the time of writing, including a child and two officers, have been taken to hospital for treatment.
The horrific incident in Sydney has since been declared a terrorist attack and now stands as the deadliest shooting in the country since the Port Arthur massacre in 1996.
Now, social media is flooded with footage of the incident from witnesses and bystanders, including terrifying moments the suspected shooters took cover from a bridge leading to the beach to open fire at civilians.
Other footage shows how panic broke out, with hundreds fleeing from the scene and the vicinity.
Meanwhile, another viral clip shows one civilian appearing to take matters into his own hands, who has since been applauded around the world for his courageous quick-thinking act that may have saved countless innocent lives.
The incredible footage shows the man, wearing a light t-shirt and black trousers, crouching behind a parked car while the alleged suspect could be seen shooting his firearm with his back turned.
Seconds later, the brave bystander is seen creeping behind the suspect before jumping up to throw his arms around him, where he grappled him to the floor in the incredibly heroic attempt to disarm him.
There’s a tense moment as the shooter still appears in possession of the weapon until the civilian manages to wrestle it free.
As the suspect scrambles to his feet, the bystander is seen pointing the weapon at the suspect as he promptly retreats. The hero then gently places the weapon down against a tree where he proceeds to take cover.
While the sound of gunshots could be heard ringing out in the background throughout, the video then pans to the other suspect, apparently still firing at people from the vantage point on the bridge.
As it does, it captures what appears to be another bystander running into frame to throw an object at the now disarmed and retreating shooter.
The second shooter also appears to be returning fire somewhere before a flying bullet hits the side of the bridge near his position.
The footage then pans back to the two civilians, now crouched behind a tree. The man who threw the object could be seen reaching for the weapon before grabbing his wrist, apparently injured.
Cops then can be seen approaching the man on the bridge where they apparently go on to ‘neutralise’ the threat.
The man who disarmed the suspect has since been identified as father-of-two, Ahmed Al Ahmed, who reportedly owns a fruit shop.
His cousin, who spoke to 7News Australia, says the 43-year-old has no experience using a weapon and is in hospital receiving treatment for two gunshot wounds in his arm and shoulder.
Premier Chris Minns is one of many celebrating Ahmed, saying in a statement: “That man is a genuine hero, and I’ve got no doubt there are many, many people alive tonight as a result of his bravery.”
In an update, cops also confirmed a bomb disposal unit has been deployed after discovering a vehicle which may contain several improvised explosives.
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a news briefing: “An act of evil antisemitism, terrorism that has struck the heart of our nation.”
Albanese said the attack on the Jewish community took place on a day that should have been a ‘day of joy,’ adding that there’s no place for this ‘vile act of violence and hate’.
