A D-Day veteran has said that it would be a 'crying shame' if Britain went through with Brexit and left the EU, and the clip has gone viral for a very important reason.
Eric Chardin, who is 94, was in Portsmouth to mark the 75th anniversary of the day that he landed on Gold Beach, Normandy on what is now collectively known as D-Day. He was just 19 years old on that historic day, reports The Times.
Speaking to BBC reporter Simon McCoy, Mr Chardin said that he fears Brexit could undo the peace that was established in Europe after the Second World War, and that he hopes peace in Europe can continue.
In a question, Mr McCoy said:
What do you think about this length of time, 75 years on, and the progress that's been made in terms of peace?
In response, Mr Chardin, who is from Cambridge, said:
Well, I hope it continues, it worries me that, the Brexit worries me, in that respect, I can't help feeling that it would be an awful shame if, we've gone through so much trouble to do, to collect the European nations together, to break it all up now would be a crying shame I feel.
Well, that's pretty awkward for the legions of Brexiteers arguing who constantly invoke wartime patriotism as an argument for the Leave campaign, isn't it?
Taking to Twitter, journalist James Felton said:
For all the brexiteers talking about how we “survived the war so we’ll survive Brexit” like they were personally dodging bullets on the beach of Normandy as a sperm, here’s what someone who actually lived through the war thinks of your ridiculous project.
For all the brexiteers talking about how we “survived the war so we’ll survive Brexit” like they were personally do… https://t.co/sU6v7rB3Hl— James Felton (@James Felton) 1559750401
Many other social media users who disagree with Brexit were quick to applaud Mr Chardin's comments.
@JimMFelton What a beautifully humble and understated man. I wish I could express myself with a fraction of his grace and insight.— MattMatt_#FBPE (@MattMatt_#FBPE) 1559751016
@JimMFelton What a great sensible man👍— macmonaghan (@macmonaghan) 1559767206
@JimMFelton @Phineus_Fury Wise man— Angelus Merula (@Angelus Merula) 1559805164
However one said they thought he was 'misguided'.
@JimMFelton Poor chap is misguided. Nato beefed up by America and the H bomb has kept the peace not Michel Barnier… https://t.co/dPU2j17DYC— scottyman (@scottyman) 1559752875
And another commented they thought it was a 'leading question'.
@JimMFelton @MisterHistry Leading question eh!— Chrissy Fincham (@Chrissy Fincham) 1559779415
Many agreed, calling the Brexiteers' arguments 'buffoonery'.
@JimMFelton Words of wisdom - a “crying shame” indeed. If I hear one more person draw companies to WW2 or some foot… https://t.co/CFLvbe3c3c— Chris Marr (@Chris Marr) 1559753993
And another summed it all up.
“The next time a Brexiteer mentions WWII they must be reminded of Eric Chardin, a true patriot, what an amazing gen… https://t.co/i8fnytgq0E— Little Dog (@Little Dog) 1559802114
HT The Times
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