Veteran Reflects on WWII Service and Modern Britain
Marvin Kirsch, a Jewish veteran of the Normandy landings, expresses a deep sense of pride in having served his country, but he also feels that contemporary Britain has seriously declined compared to the nation he once fought for.
Kirsch, who will celebrate his 101st birthday in 2025, arrived in Normandy just three days after the D-Day invasion in June 1944. He was later stationed close to the notorious Bergen-Belsen concentration camp and was liberated by British forces in April 1945. Looking back, he laments the changes in his home country, particularly the growth of anti-Semitism and what he sees as a general decline.
“I think—well, [the war] was a waste of time. The friendships we made during the war, they seem almost ruined now,” he shared. “It’s disheartening to see what could have been done to help others. It wasn’t just about military action. I just don’t get it now.
The veteran’s critical view of Britain today leads him to say that it’s “just going downhill.” He remarked on the changing demographics, noting that while some people leave, others arrive without an understanding of the country’s history or morals. Nevertheless, Kirsch has no objections to genuine refugees fleeing dangerous situations.
After the tragic attack by Hamas on October 7, he reflected on the efficacy of his World War II efforts, stating, “It feels like a waste of time. It seems we might have to do this all over again.” In a recent interview with the BBC, he mentioned that while he believes his service was valuable, he feels disappointment in its aftermath.
“What’s truly sad is the rampant anti-Semitism everywhere,” he said, acknowledging his role in Holocaust education.
Other veterans, both in Britain and the U.S., share similar feelings of disillusionment as they witness dramatic shifts in their countries. Alec Penston, a 100-year-old D-Day veteran, expressed that witnessing the current state of Britain makes him feel that the sacrifices made weren’t reflected in today’s outcomes. He stated, “What we fought for was freedom, and yet there’s a sense that it’s worse than before.”
Across the ocean, American World War II veteran Ronald “Rondo” Scharf echoed that sentiment, saying, “Honestly, I often feel like a foreigner in my own country. It weighs heavily on my heart. There’s too much distraction in Washington, and essential issues aren’t being addressed.” Scharf, reflecting on his service, hopes for unity and a return to values that matter.
