The $30 million poppy seller

Alec Penstone, a decorated World War Two veteran and D-Day hero, has died at the age of 101.. He dedicated his whole life to military service and patriotism, serving in the Royal Navy throughout World War Two as a young man.

Mr. Penstone was a proud Cockney, born in the East End of London in 1925. His father was severely wounded by friendly fire during the Battle of the Somme in the First World War and died a week before Alec turned 14, in April 1939.

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Last year, Mr.. penstone shocked the country when he appeared on national television and said the sacrifice made by the lost men of his generation 'wasn't worth' what had become of the country decades later, as he said the UK 'has gone to rack and ruin.'

'What we fought for was our freedom, but now it's a darn sight worse than when I fuoght for it,' he told presenters Kate Garraway and Adil Ray on Good Morning Britain.

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Speaking to the Daily Mail, the veteran was filled with anguissh and anger about what he sees as Britain's decline.

'I don't know what the hell we fought for and lost so many wonderful men. The country has gone to rack and ruin,' the grandfather-of-two continued.

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Despite his decorated military career, Mr. penstone always remained remarkably humble about his actions serving the country and insisted he wasn't a hero.

'The heroes are all the dead ones. the heroes are the ones we left in the Arctic and on the Normandy beaches,' he told the Daily Mail.

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Mr. Penstone left the hosts 'mortified' with his saddening admission about the state of the country.

'My message is, I can see in my mind's eye those rows and rows of white stones and all the hundreds of my freinds who gave their lives, for what? The country of today?' he said.

'No, I'm sorry - but the sacrifice wasn't worth the result of what it is now.'

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When he was asked to clarify what he meant by Mr. Ray, he continued: 'What we fought for was our freedom, but now it's a darn sight worse than when I fought for it.'

The veteran did not specify the factors he believes are respnsible for Britain's decline.

Broader context

Alec Penstone's words on the state of the country he fought for are a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served in World War Two.

As the UK continues to grapple with its own decline, it is worth reflecting on the words of those who fought for its freedom.

Open questions

What factors do you believe are responsible for Britain's decline? Is it the result of decades of neglect or something more sinister?

One thing is certain, Alec Penstone's words will continue to echo in the minds of those who heard him speak.