On the occasion of his 100th birthday, United States Marine Corps and World War 2 veteran Carl Dekel reflected on his long life and the blessings he’s enjoyed in an interview with Tampa’s Fox 13. The Silver Star recipient recalled the Battle of Guadalcanal and his gratitude that the Lord brought him home and says that he would do it again if he had to — and if he were the right age.
Dekel, in his full uniform, said the following:
“Most important thing in my life was serving my country. I don’t think I could take away from that…It was an honor for me to serve my country and if I had to do it again and I was the same age. It would be something I’d do. It is my guarantee.
…
“You just remember everything’s beautiful and live every day to the fullest. Take every opportunity to enjoy life. Now, I’m 100. They tell me I’m 100. I don’t believe it sometimes. Because I don’t need to worry about age. I’m not going to, I just keep on keeping on.”
As one of many in the “Greatest Generation” who fought for the freedoms we enjoy today, but one of the few still living, Dekel has a unique perspective on our country and what has happened to it over the years. He spoke about how beautiful life is and the world is then broke down crying, saying, “This is not the country we fought for.”
Veteran 100 years old breaks down crying
“This country is not what we fought to get” pic.twitter.com/W7Y8XsKLp0
— WilliamA33 (@WilliamA_33) July 2, 2022
“People don’t realize what they have … Nowadays I am so upset because the things we did, and the things we fought for, and the boys that died for it, it’s all gone down the drain. This country is in hell. We haven’t got the country we had when I was raised, not at all.”
He made an important statement about the direction the United States of America was heading:
“Nobody will have the opportunity I had … That’s not what our boys, that’s not what they died for … It’s just not the same. That isn’t what we fought for.”
It is so heartbreaking to watch this man, who gave his life for the country and then watched as his brothers-in arms died for it.
Just 39 percent Americans today are proud to be Americans as America prepares for 246 years of independence. That’s a significant drop from the 69 percent who proudly supported the country in June 2011, when it was 69%. Amazingly, 56 percent of Americans say that they don’t feel proud about the country.
Sean Duffy was a former Congressman and explained the reasons Americans should be proud of America. This included the fact that veteran soldiers like Carl Dekel sacrificed their lives for America’s freedoms.
“When it comes down to it, we need to be proud of who we are. Don’t let anyone tell you or your kids that we should be ashamed of this country, because there’s so much to be proud of. The United States has been growing stronger every year since 1776. We’re the most innovative and creative country in the world.”
Even though the results may be grim, America is the most beautiful country in the world. Americans are loved by all who hate the country. The freedoms that Dekel and his generation fought for are the reason why people are able to criticize America while simultaneously enjoying the country’s benefits.
“We’re the land of opportunity. Americans travel all the way from around the globe to get here. We’re the most generous country in the world. We give and give to other countries who aren’t as fortunate because we want to help people.” Duffy continued. “What other country sends their young men to other parts of the world to fight, not for power, not for money, but solely for other people’s freedom? And we’re the most free country on this earth.”
Many millions of people are proud Americans. Like our veterans and heroes, they will defend her. America will remain the country of the free, and home to the brave forever. The American Dream must be preserved. While times may seem difficult, the heroes didn’t give up when it was difficult. They fought and won. Ronald Reagan once said,
“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.”
American Dream is still alive. This is the land where there are many opportunities. We can’t take the freedoms we have for granted, as these freedoms are not free. It is our duty to preserve and protect the land we cherish.
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