World War II veteran Ronald Scharfe reflects on the current state of the country he risked his life to protect, expressing concern over its direction and calling for a renewed sense of patriotism and unity.
As America marked the 80th anniversary of D-Day, World War II veteran Ronald Scharfe, a 96-year-old Marine who fought in the legendary battle of Iwo Jima, shared his poignant views on the current state of the country. Scharfe, who famously lied about his age to join the military at 16, voiced his concerns during an interview with Fox News anchor Martha MacCallum in Normandy, France.
Reflecting on his service in a tumultuous era that shaped the course of history, Scharfe couldn't help but express a sense of alienation in his own country."I feel like a foreigner in my own country lots of times, and I don't like it, it makes my heart real heavy," he said. "I just hope we can pull out of this, there's too much Hollywood going on in Washington all the time — the important subjects they don't cover. So I hope all the guys rally up and go back and straighten it all out."
Scharfe attributed these feelings to a shift in values and a perceived lack of patriotism among younger generations. He lamented the erosion of the same spirit that once fueled his determination to serve his country at such a young age."It was a different generation. Each generation is a little bit different," he said. "And I think that all the generations are great, but I think some of the ones they got now are a little lazy, and I think they've got to show more pride in their country than they do."
Recalling his initial attempt to enlist at 16, Scharfe described how he was turned away but refused to give up. Determined to fight, he devised a plan to falsify his age by stealing baptismal certificates during his sister's wedding. Within months, he found himself on the front lines of one of the most brutal battles in history.
"I told mom and dad they won't be sending me overseas until probably 18 or 19 or something. In three months, I was gone," he said.
Scharfe went on to describe the horrors he witnessed during the battle of Iwo Jima, an experience that left him with lifelong PTSD. He acknowledged the profound impact of combat on the human psyche, emphasizing the unique bond shared among veterans.
"The only ones you get along with or that can understand you, is if you're a combat vet," he said. "I've got PTSD, I've had it all my life. It will never go away until you're gone. As long as the people remember that the vets are still around, the guys feel good about it. Some of the memories are good, some are bad, some are happy, some are sad. That's all part of life."
Despite the trauma he endured, Scharfe expressed gratitude for his survival and acknowledged the sacrifices of those who fell in battle."I feel bad about not having some of my buddies with me," he said.
Scharfe's message resonated with many Americans who share his concerns about the direction of the country. His call for unity, patriotism, and a renewed sense of purpose evoked a profound sense of nostalgia for the values that once defined the nation. As we commemorate the sacrifices of our veterans on D-Day and other historical events, Scharfe's words serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of cherishing our freedoms and working together to secure a better future.
