As the 82nd anniversary of D-Day was commemorated in Normandy last week, the thoughts of the aging warriors who gathered there are poignant. These men, all at least 100 years old, proud and patriotic, were just 18 when they stormed Nazi-held France. They assembled, likely for the final time together, to remember those who never returned home. Just a week before the commemorations, Alec Penstone, a regular attendee of these pilgrimages, passed away at the age of 101.
A Hero's Disillusionment
Alec Penstone, a Royal Navy veteran, was only 15 when World War 2 broke out and enlisted as soon as he was old enough to fight for his country. However, like many in recent years, he was left pondering whether it was all worthwhile. One of his last thoughts, after enduring unimaginable suffering for a better world, was, 'Is this it?'
It is deeply saddening that a man who was prepared to die for his country came to view it with such dismay. He witnessed Britain torn apart by infighting, division, crime, antisemitism, illegal immigration, a struggling economy, a prevailing attitude of selfishness over service, and an utterly incompetent political class unable to improve lives. As a hero, selfless and brave, his reflections on life in the UK merit attention.
Alec's Words
Alec said: 'There are too many people with their hands in the till and who just think, “what can I get out of the country?” This country is so divided it just doesn’t seem to be a nice place any more and I blame the politicians - none of whom seem to have the backing of the people. It’s all self, self, self. What on earth has happened?' Few have summed it up better.
The State of the Nation
Dear Alec passed away last month, clearly worn weary by a country run into the ground by a shameless and self-serving government. He spent his final months scratching his head in disbelief at how his country had become alien to him and the values his generation held dear. He could not fathom how hard-working people were being milked for every last penny of tax. He failed to understand how anyone could put self before country. He questioned why nothing ever worked, why doctors repeatedly walked out on strike, and why so many politicians were continually mired in sleaze and controversy. The state of the country—daily incidents of appalling knife crime, violence, discord, and sneering at those who remain fiercely patriotic and dutiful—had left him feeling 'very low'.
Political Madness
We will never know what he thought of the narcissistic, egocentric, self-centred, and selfish third-rate Labour MP Andy Burnham. Perhaps it is just as well. Next week, the perennial election loser fights the recently vacated Makerfield seat, salivating at the prospect of ousting Sir Keir Starmer. Vote Labour to get rid of the Labour PM in a by-election nobody wanted, other than desperate opportunist Burnham. We could soon have our seventh prime minister in a decade. Only in Banana Republic Britain can someone who was not even an MP at the last General Election (in this case, Burnham) gallivant around, pumping out daily messages in the big-headed assumption that he will be occupying Downing Street very soon. It is the behaviour of a junta and this madness was alien to loyal men like Alec.
A Generation Lost
We are seeing the rapid passing of great men whose selflessness helped shape this country. And for what? Just look at the mess we find ourselves in now. He, like so many of his vintage, must be turning in his grave. And it is hard to disagree with their assessment: was it all worth it?
