James South is a World War II veteran who turned 100 last Monday, and in the lead-up to his birthday, he had one simple request: he wanted 100 birthday cards. Much to South’s surprise, however, he ended up getting a whole lot more than that!
WWII Vet Asks For 100 Cards
5 News Online reported that this all started three weeks ago, when South’s assisted living community Brookdale Senior Living in Watauga, Texas posted a photo of the WWII veteran to Facebook expressing his birthday wish.
“Hello! My name is James South and I am a proud WWII veteran!” James was quoted in the post. “I will be turning 100 on October 7th, 2019. I would like to receive 100 birthday cards. Please mail to: 5800 North Park Dr., Watauga, TX 76148. Thank you!”
“Let’s help James reach his goal for his most special year yet!” the assisted living home added. “Please be sure to share this post and tell a friend!”
WWII Vet Receives Over 100 Cards
It didn’t take long for the post to go viral, and soon enough, cards were pouring in from all over the world! Since then, South’s family says he has received over 100,000 birthday cards.
“To go to a store in town and pick out a card and send it to me, that’s almost more than I can handle I’ll tell ya,” South said. “It touches my heart.”
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“We’re just crying every day because we’re just reading all these beautiful cards,” added his daughter-in-law Debbie South.
South’s son Jim went on to say that cards have come in from places as far away as Australia, Great Britain, and even China. Schools all over the United States sent cards as well, with teachers using this as an opportunity to teach their students about World War II. Most notably, President Donald Trump sent the veteran a birthday card as well.
“Our nation owes your generation, the greatest generation, a tremendous debt of gratitude,” Trump wrote.
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Veteran Support
South’s family said they could not be more grateful about the support and love their father has received.
“The people that have gone to the store for cards, and the people who have taken the time to pen out their thoughts and their feelings, it’s just been an overwhelming and an amazing response,” his son Jim said.
As the cards continue to pour in, South says he’s grateful for the love as well.
“I’m just thanking God for watching over me and keeping me healthy,” the war veteran said. “There’s no telling where I’ll go from here.”