Lessons from a 100-Year-Old World War Two Veteran on Remembrance Sunday
Marvin Kersh, a World War Two veteran nearing 101 years old, shared his reflections on Remembrance Sunday and the lessons learned from the past.
The Importance of Remembrance
Speaking to LBC's Henry Riley, Mr. Kersh emphasized the value of remembering history. "I think it's very important," he said. "Because if you don't remember you're not alive. You learn nothing."
Reflections on Learning from History
"We've learnt nothing,"
he admitted, expressing disappointment in the lack of progress over the decades.
Key Lesson: Strength in Defence
"The main lesson that I would teach is that bullies don't attack anyone who is stronger than them. Strong defence should be first."
He stressed that strength should take priority over considerations like cost or freedom, insisting that strong defence is essential for security.
80 Years Since D-Day
Reflecting on the 80th anniversary of D-day, Mr. Kersh pointed to governments' responsibility in maintaining strength. "And by 'we', I mean governments - the successive governments," he told Henry Riley.
"As I say, the most important thing is to be strong. It should come before anything else. It should come before cheaper this, or freer that... the main thing is to have stronger defence than anyone else."
Having served in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps during World War Two, Mr. Kersh’s words remind us of the enduring importance of resilience and remembrance.
Veterans like Marvin Kersh highlight that remembering history and prioritizing strong defence remain vital lessons for today's world.
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