A World War II Florida veteran celebrating his 100th birthday broke down in tears as he gave a heartbreaking assessment of the state of the country he fought for 80 years ago, saying ‘it’s going to hell in a hand-basket.’
Reminiscing about his time in the Marines, Plant City veteran Carl Spurlin Dekle said that while fighting in the war was his biggest pride, sla!n soldiers had not d!ed for the America of today.
‘People don’t realize what they have,’ Dekle told Fox13. ‘The things we did and the things we fought for and the boys that died for it, it’s all gone down the drain. Our country is going to hell in a hand-basket.’
Dekle became inconsolable as he spoke about the contrasts between the America he grew up in and the current state of affairs in the country.
His remarks came during an interview to commemorate Dekle’s 100th birthday, which the Silver-medal holder spent with friends and family.
Speaking to the Plant City Courier & Tribune, Dekle highlighted the sacrifices he and many of his Marine Corps friends had made for Americans to enjoy their freedom.
‘I want the young kids to realize that freedom comes with a heavy price. It isn’t given to people out of the goodness of others,’ he told the outlet at the time. ‘It’s something you have to fight and sometimes d!e for.’
‘I really believe in this whole world and believe everything is beautiful. I mean if I wake up in the morning and see these plants, and all of those flowers, and the green grass in the ground, that’s beautiful,’ he told Fox13.
Dekle proudly showed off his many medals from his time in the Marines. Among them, a Silver Star he was awarded for fighting in the First Marine Division during World War II.
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Unable to pay for his provisions, a veteran turns around to hear a customer say “It’s our turn.”
This veteran’s story is truly touching.
The story of this veteran is really heartwarming. When a news crew learned of his situation, they realized they could and should assist him. On a sunny day in Las Vegas, the Fox 5 Surprise Squad traveled to the neighborhood Albertsons.
They wanted to do something special for the residents, so they selected random customers and paid for their groceries.
Dave Hall headed the team. He approached several people who were just about to check out.
When he asked if he could pay for their groceries, it made their day every time.
They repeatedly stepped in and paid for the purchasing of strangers. The employees observed the staff assisting random customers, and they informed them of the regulars who required the most assistance. One cashier was on the verge of weeping. She was overjoyed and grateful to see these acts of compassion bringing smiles to everyone’s faces. Last but not least, Dave introduced himself to Stephanie. She was an incapacitated veteran. She utilized a wheelchair for mobility. Stephanie stated she was purchasing provisions for herself and her dogs.
Without much financial assistance, she was really struggling. She admitted to Dave that she was down to her last $50.
She didn’t know what she would do after that.
The news anchor was thrilled to be of assistance. Stephanie was incredibly appreciative that he paid for the entire cost of the supplies. Dave observed the individual behind her.
He queried, “Is this your husband?”
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Actually, the man was a friend of her husband.
This man, named Larry, was another veteran who had been in the same club as Stephanie’s husband.
The club, Bones For Blankets, focused on donating blankets to homeless veterans.
Larry had started the organization 16 years previously after he tragically lost three of his brothers.
They had all frozen to death. The experience locked into Larry’s mind just how important sharing resources is.
He explained how Stephanie’s husband was a truck driver who was away a lot, and so he kept Stephane company and helped her get by given the challenges she faced as a result of her disability.
“No vet should be going through what she’s going through,” Larry told the Surprise Squad.
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That might have been that, but Dave Hall was adamant that Larry wasn’t going to be leaving the store without the Surprise Squad team paying for his groceries as well.
Larry had only been planning on purchasing dish soap and candy, but Dave told him: “You served us. It’s our turn to serve you now.”
So Larry got to go around the store and pick out whatever he wanted. His total was $278, and Larry was left wiping tears from his eyes after the bill was settled by Dave and the others.
“This is just like overwhelming, I’ve been taking care of myself since I was 13,” Larry said.
Watch Larry’s experience with the Surprise Squad below:
