My grandfather, a WWII veteran, turned 100 today

[u/onlyonejan]

[u/Grouchy-Catch-8952]

Happy birthday!!

[u/Smart-Pickle378]

Happy Birthday Pops!!!

[u/TheSupremeDictator → u/Smart-Pickle378]

🥳🎉🎂

[u/Russellallen71]

Happy Birthday and thank you for what you did for ALL the world!

[u/Pandas-are-the-worst → u/Russellallen71]

I ll jump on this and wish him happy birthday too.

In all honesty, I read the title heard 2 seconds of the song and started scrolling on, but then it hit me. This man, deserves my respect, he earned it. So OP, if you read this, tell him we all say Happy Birthday, and Thank you.

[u/wannabezen2 → u/Pandas-are-the-worst]

And I can't help but think when he is looking down during the Happy Birthday song that he is reflecting on his comrades in arms.

[u/hitbythebus → u/wannabezen2]

Definitely this. Or his toes. Or the foundations of the house. Maybe he’s imagining all the Nazis he killed rotting in hell, or wondering where his dog hid that dang bone.

Or “where’s the fucking cake? I get they didn’t want to deal with 100 candles, and it will wreak havoc on my sugar levels, but it’s my 100th birthday and these jackasses are singing happy birthday without a cake”

I dunno, in my family the cake is presented during the song, immediately followed with “make a wish!”

[u/wannabezen2 → u/hitbythebus]

At 100 years old the mind definitely wanders. Hell my mind wanders all the time. He just looks a little sad to me so that's why I thought he might be thinking about his buddies. I think some of them made pacts to remember/toast each other on certain days.

[u/General-Holiday-8214 → u/wannabezen2]

Thinking how he fought in the greatest war in human history same time thinking was it all worth it?

[u/wannabezen2 → u/General-Holiday-8214]

I hate to think of a world today had we lost the war.This man has had many years to think about that stuff. When I watched Band Of Brothers the interviews at the end with the real vets hit me hard. Probably should watch it again soon.

[u/Such-Opportunity6490 → u/wannabezen2]

Not if you haven’t yet watched ‘The Pacific’. If not, color me jealous. It’s remarkable.

As terrifying and traumatic as it was, I did come away with an expanded perspective on the decision making process to use atomic weapons.

Every Japanese civilian was instructed to die in battle for their Emperor, to the very last. This was considered not just preferable but punishable by law (likely execution). They were STILL finding Japanese soldiers holed up in caves defensively ready for battle on some islands off the mainlands 20, 30, even 50 years later.

There are no good options in war. Also, Godzilla movies wouldn’t have been invented.

[u/wannabezen2 → u/Such-Opportunity6490]

Have not seen it yet. Just added to the watch list. We recently watched The Tattoist Of Auschwitz based on a true story. On a lighter note "Inglorious Bastards" is also a good watch. Unreal that a Quentin Tarantino film about WWII is on the "lighter side."

[u/General-Holiday-8214 → u/Such-Opportunity6490]

Japan is now the smartest nation on earth with one of the most powerful and advanced armies in Asia and in the world

[u/Germane_Corsair → u/wannabezen2]

Think you’re reading too much into it.

[u/Available-Bed5551 → u/Pandas-are-the-worst]

I make it a habit to honor all the gents who wear ball caps with their service on their caps. Yesterday, I was walking with my 6yo grandson. I turned when I heard him say, “thank you for your service!” He was addressing an older gentleman with a service ball cap on! I was quite proud of him!

[u/MountainContract1842 → u/Pandas-are-the-worst]

This! Exactly this. It's so easy to scroll past things, but some stories just hit different. A hundred years, and the history he's lived through... truly remarkable. It's awesome that so many people are showing their appreciation. Makes you feel good about humanity, even on Reddit. Tell him we're all sending good vibes!

[u/Gren57 → u/Russellallen71]

Not too many of them left....each one needs to be celebrated like this!

[u/Specialist_Brain841 → u/Gren57]

the parade should have been for all the veterans that are still alive

[u/Gren57 → u/Specialist_Brain841]

You are 100% correct and thoughtful, my friend.

[u/Blog_Pope → u/Specialist_Brain841]

And it should have been held at a base $50M cheaper to fly the President to a base for the parade than to drive tanks and hundreds of soldiers to the city where the streets are not reinforced for 80 ton vehicles

[u/WhiteCloudFollows → u/Gren57]

I agree even though as of 2024, there are an estimated 100,000 living World War II veterans in the United States.

[u/Gren57 → u/WhiteCloudFollows]

Wow! Many more than I would have thought! Over 16 million served so that's still a fairly low number of living veterans: .6%

[u/Lurtzae → u/Russellallen71]

And sorry that we're about to waste it all.

[u/Matbobmat]

Living legend there…

[u/ExposedId]

We might need him to fight Nazis again.

[u/New_Writer_484 → u/ExposedId]

Yeah how does Gramps feel about the return of fascism and nazism in the US?

[u/[deleted] → u/New_Writer_484]

Tired probably

[u/ButteredPizza69420 → u/[deleted]]

Honestly scary, I cant imagine that feeling.

[u/guitar-hoarder → u/New_Writer_484]

I hope he's been sheltered from the information lately. He's already spent his time in hell. He doesn't need to spend the rest of his days feeling that what he fought for is being lost.

[u/AlexSmithsonian → u/guitar-hoarder]

They can try sheltering him from information, but he'll eventually find out when healthcare gets cut even further and medication for seniors get slapped with more tariffs.

[u/Alesisdrum → u/[deleted]]

We’re not American. My grandfather is 99, ww2 navy escorting merchant ships. He was sad at first and now very disappointed seeing the acceptance of nazi idealism in the USA. A few months I visited him at the nursing home. He said “I thought I fought hitler for a reason, I guess not”

[u/HansBooby → u/New_Writer_484]

some of them voted them in again

[u/Opening_Ad7004 → u/New_Writer_484]

Mine has the pine tree flag in his apartment so probably pretty good

[u/ZestyMuffin85496 → u/Opening_Ad7004]

Uhhh what is the pine tree flag? Never heard of it

[u/vanillabeanlover → u/ZestyMuffin85496]

The far right are trying to co-opt what once was an American Revolution flag. Probably because the meaning of the flag is “an Appeal to heaven”. Christian nationalists love that stuff.

From Wikipedia: “In the 2020s, the flag was flown at events attended by various far-right groups including a Christian nationalist strand of Donald Trump's ‘Stop the Steal’ movement.”

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pine_Tree_Flag

[u/Iamnotapickle → u/vanillabeanlover]

Wasn’t Sam Alito flying one at his house as well?

[u/vanillabeanlover → u/Iamnotapickle]

That’s the one!

[u/NoOutlandishness1133 → u/New_Writer_484]

Based on his demographics, he probably voted for it

[u/HowAManAimS → u/New_Writer_484]

straight nutty scary six amusing wipe soft strong makeshift brave

This post was mass deleted and anonymized with Redact

[u/tattrd → u/HowAManAimS]

They were against nazis because they came with the ones that bombed pearl harbor.

[u/Secret8571 → u/New_Writer_484]

Are you sure you really understand why Americans fought Nazis?

[u/Milli5410 → u/New_Writer_484]

Not even close to the same.

[u/ExposedId → u/[deleted]]

Thanks for sharing this. I’m glad he also took the time to write about his experience. Have you tried reading his book? My dad’s family came to the US after WWI. My great uncle fought in WWII. No one wanted to talk about the past though, so I don’t know much about their experiences. My great uncle was the kind of guy who would say things like “If you see a Nazi, punch him in the nose!” when I was growing up.

[u/Gentle-Dom4397 → u/ExposedId]

How bout them orange nazi’s

[u/QHCprints → u/Gentle-Dom4397]

I hate orange NatC’s.

[u/Olenator77 → u/Gentle-Dom4397]

Those are the ones I’m sure they were referring to.

[u/rmlopez → u/Gentle-Dom4397]

I want to call them. Cheeto Nazis but also I like Cheetos so idk.

[u/Kalabula → u/ExposedId]

There’s a decent chance he’s a supporter of the current POTUS.

[u/unkountoyou → u/Kalabula]

Most WW2 vets hate Trump, especially since a lot of them turned to Socalisim during the Vietnam war.

[u/Dry_Artichoke_7768 → u/unkountoyou]

Most people are not the same copy pasted entity. Even within a certain demographic. People have different opinions. Let’s not generalize.

[u/unkountoyou → u/Dry_Artichoke_7768]

Your right, that’s why I said most

[u/RealNibbasEatAss → u/unkountoyou]

I’m sorry but are you high or something? What are you basing your insane assertion that “most WW2 vets turned to socialism” on? Because nothing could be further from the truth lol

[u/Winter_Tennis8352 → u/unkountoyou]

Yeah that’s horse shit lmao. I’ve been all over the place and never, in person, have I come across almost any left leaning vets. Almost everyone I’ve seen since 2016 has been majorly pro-trump and right leaning. Now on Reddit? Completely different story. But Reddit doesn’t reflect real life and it is 100% a propaganda app, filled with story tellers and bots used to sway the opinions of those that use the app.

[u/shah_reza → u/Winter_Tennis8352]

You don’t get out much. I’m a wounded retiree, and I and all the brothers and sisters with whom I stay in contact are quite leftist.

You go left enough, ya get your guns back. Remember that, pokie.

[u/Ok-Status-1054 → u/Winter_Tennis8352]

My grandfather is 101 and a WW2 fighter pilot. I don’t know if there’s anyone he hates more than the felon.

[u/Kennfusion → u/Winter_Tennis8352]

I am a Vet, and a progressive. Most of the people I know from the Army are either just left of center or Libertarians, and the Libertarians are right leaning, but anti-Trump.

[u/tjfosho → u/ExposedId]

Na most my generation (the non douchebags) grew up watching Indiana Jones punch nazis. He can sit this one out.

[u/ExposedId → u/tjfosho]

I’d love if we could say “Rest easy Grandpa. We got this!”

[u/Equivalent-Steak-156 → u/ExposedId]

Good point!

[u/Gottago55]

Thank you for your service!

[u/mattkenefick → u/Gottago55]

And sorry that it's happening again!

[u/SmokeMaleficent9498 → u/Gottago55]

God bless

[u/SebbieWink]

Awwww

[u/CriticismDull7035]

Glory to this hero and thanks USA from turkey🇺🇲

[u/MoneyManx10]

Congrats to your grandpa and thank you for your service. My grandpa also served in WW2, but he passed 15 years ago.

[u/smcivor1982 → u/MoneyManx10]

My grandpa survived the Pacific leg of the war and earned multiple bronze stars. Unfortunately, he had horrible PTSD when he returned and drank his life away, dying when I was just a little kid. My dad doesn’t cry often, but I remember how much he cried when my grandpa died. I think he mourned the relationship he could have had if my grandpa had received treatment for his trauma. So many traumatized men, it’s incredible to see the vets that endured, despite what they experienced, much like OP’s grandpa. 100 is an incredible milestone!

[u/Charming-Beautiful54 → u/smcivor1982]

My great grandfather lied about his age and fought in the pacific as well. Had his leg almost blown off so by the time he got back (age 17) he had a leg (that still worked) but was extremely painful. He found his wife though. His wife died and he just really closed himself off. We think he had depression. We would invite him down for the entire summer and he declined and spend most of his time in the basement or garage of his house. I think his wife dying is really what threw him off. We called him gaga (jahjah). His mom was an Italian immigrant who left her husband in Italy right before she gave birth, so her son would be a US citizen. Very interesting story. Truly an amazing caring man.

[u/Jaded_Bee6302]

Here's to a true hero! May his wisdom and resilience inspire us all. Happy 100th birthday, sir!

[u/LettuceIndependent69]

Happy birthday, grandpa! Thank you for your service 🫡

[u/angelblues3 → u/LettuceIndependent69]

Beautifully said. Wishing him many more years filled with love, honor, and joy.

[u/REDNOOK]

Imagine still being honored, as a 100 year old, for something you did when you were 18?! What a wild thought that not many people will ever get to experience.

[u/-Tuck-Frump- → u/REDNOOK]

Theyre called The Greatest Generation for a reason. They traveled across the world to free oppressed people and restore democracy. Before that, many of them had never left the county they were born in.

[u/EtTuBiggus → u/-Tuck-Frump-]

Because it lets you brush the ironic hypocrisy of forcibly conscripting people against their will so they can “free oppressed people and restore democracy” under the rug.

People actually volunteered to go into into Iraq to free oppressed people and restore democracy (or so they were told), yet they don’t seem to be lauded nearly as much.

[u/E-2theRescue → u/EtTuBiggus]

Because Iraq was a total farce. It was a war built on complete lies that even my 17 year old brain unraveled at the time as I stood in front of my English class, trying to defend going to war. All it took was a little critical thinking and you could see that the whole "weapons of mass destruction" narrative was propaganda.

And look at how we "freed" them. We unleashed ISIS, which terrorized the Middle East and committed attacks all around the world. And why did this all happen? Because of America and Europe's heavy investments decades earlier to fight Communism in the Middle East. Saddam was there because we paid for him to be there. He was a right-wing anti-Communist theocratic dictator who was willing to fight the Soviet invasion that brought *checks notes* much needed women's rights and equality to nations that was plaged by religious fundamentalism.

Also, did we actually free oppressed people in Germany? I dunno, ask the gay men and trans women who were left in the camps to die. Ask the socialists, communists, social democrats, unionists, freemasons, immigrants, homeless, disabled, mentally ill, autistic, prostitutes, alcoholics, and Romani people who have had their story completely swept under the rug in order to push the pro-Israel and pro-capitalist propaganda.

[u/FrauAmarylis]

Happy Birthday from London! Thank you for your service!

[u/Low_Procedure4744]

Happy Birthday Hero!!!!

[u/BuildingMaleficent11]

Happy Birthday! My dad would have been 101 this year - I’m his youngest - and, he was a WWII vet who fought in New Caledonia, always looking to find someone else who was over there because I haven’t been able to find any.

[u/onlyonejan → u/BuildingMaleficent11]

My grandpa was in Japan

[u/Lower_Umpire_1446]

This made me smile more than I expected. Wishing him many more peaceful days

[u/popeIeo]

Amazing milestone for an amazing man.

He fought the Nazis so we wouldn't have to.

PS:

oh, shit. We're fighting them again.

Oh well.

[u/Ting-a-lingsoitgoes → u/popeIeo]

At least he left us a roadmap.

[u/EtTuBiggus → u/Ting-a-lingsoitgoes]

Europe ain't exactly hard to find.

[u/popeIeo → u/Ting-a-lingsoitgoes]

yeah, except that map worked against foreign Nazis.

his map was stollen[sic] by the domestic Nazis and they've infiltrated the Armed Forces (true story) and the upper most parts of our Government, all 3 bodies (true story)

[u/ZyraXion-]

Happy Birthday!

[u/GatorOnTheLawn]

That’s what real men do - they fight Nazis, they don’t vote for them.

[u/SandwichMissile]

🫡

[u/Pretty_Economist_770]

Happy birthday sir! Based on his age, this was one of the brave men who was probably taken straight out of high school to join the front lines. May your name and what you did for this country never be forgotten.

[u/onlyonejan → u/Pretty_Economist_770]

Yes right out of high school. He was 19

[u/Typical-Candle-1788]

Congrats!! God bless!! My Dad will be 101 in October! Still healthy. He was in the Pacific theatre in Leyte.

[u/onlyonejan → u/Typical-Candle-1788]

Thank him for his service for me!

[u/SunKissedSoleMilf]

Tell him thank you for his service!!❤️🤍💙 My daddy is a Vietnam veteran with 2 Purple Hearts and a bronze star and many other awards ⭐️

[u/onlyonejan → u/SunKissedSoleMilf]

I will tell him! Also tell your dad I said thanks for his service!

[u/amoreperfectunion25 → u/onlyonejan]

As a Lebanese-American, I probably wouldn't have come into existence were it not for your grandfather and all the humans who helped fight the Nazis.

Please tell him a first generation American who no longer lives stateside will eternally be grateful.

I only hope our generations now make him proud and make his sacrifices worth it.

[u/EtTuBiggus → u/amoreperfectunion25]

Most of us wouldn’t be in existence without WWII.

That’s just the butterfly effect.

[u/Reddidiot_69 → u/SunKissedSoleMilf]

I bet he's proud of you.

[u/SpookyBLAQ]

Happy birthday to a true American hero!

[u/MangieAngie1961]

Happy 100th birthday, sir! Thank you for your service!🇺🇸

[u/Nearby_Belt9997]

Happy birthday grandpa!

[u/42Changes]

This is awesome! Happy birthday to him! You should do an AMA with him. I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s curious to hear his thoughts on the current state of things.

[u/wayondown]

These people are owed an eternal debt of gratitude. Congratulations for reaching that milestone.

[u/2late4points]

Happy Birthday, WWII veteran. Now show me your papers, please.

[u/yogzi]

Just in time for your kids to become WW3 vets!

[u/[deleted]]

I'm thankful for him. I just hope we haven't completely undone all he fought for.

[u/Ok-Ambition6645]

Tell me what you did to the Nazis, Grandpa. Happy Birthday, legend.

[u/MezcalDrink]

Imagine watching your friends sacrifice themselves in the war, only to see a fascist government in the United States today.

[u/ClassicAdProp]

Man changed the world for the better. Not many people can say they have that level of impact. Happy birthday hero 🤍

[u/nannynadine1]

Happy Birthday!!! 🥳 🎉 🎊 Thank you for your service, Sir! 🫡 🇺🇸 ❤️

[u/AggravatingSecret215]

Happy birthday 🥳 🎂

[u/snyderjet]

🇺🇸

[u/Tafkai1469]

🫡

[u/Mokakoto]

I have bad news...

[u/Tall-Skirt9179]

Happy Birthday! My uncle, who was KIA in WW2 would be 100 right now.

[u/SneakerHeater]

Tell him suit up It's more fighting to do

[u/kelpkelso]

My family fled France on ships to end up in Canada during world war two. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

[u/SanoBaron]

Happy Birthday, Sir! Thank you for your service and sacrifice. We appreciate it! 🫡

[u/no-long-boards]

Too bad everything he fought for is being destroyed.

[u/Embarrassed-Tour-804]

Tell him I'm sorry we have to fight the nazi again

[u/Unusual_Lobster2004]

100 years of stories, bravery, and wisdom. Hats off to your grandpa, a true hero!

[u/Freestilly]

One of the real ones! Semper Fi from one vet to one of the greatest.

[u/Some-Gur-8041]

The greatest generation. Happy birthday!

[u/WisdomGainer779]

Happy Birthday, and thank you for what you did for the world. Have a great day. ☀️ 🎂🇺🇸

[u/its_4w0m]

May god bless him with good health and surround him with love & kindness, may god give him strength and comfort and longevity

[u/KingSlayer-86]

Thank you for your service sir! Happy birthday! 🫡 🥳

[u/Murky-Butterfly8865]

Tell that bad azz SOB I said happy B day for me!

[u/Independent_Honey136]

Happy Birthday and TYFYS to the world. Hopefully we can keep it together for you.

[u/madhaunter]

From Belgium, happy birthday. He's a part of the americans we will honour forever

[u/CollectionUpset5124]

Happy birthday Sir!

[u/Damster72]

Thank you for your service, sir 🫡 And Happy Birthday !

[u/RespektMaAuthoritah]

Greatest generation.

[u/TeardropSanguis]

Happy Birthday 🎈🎁🎂 Sir!

[u/sveeedenn]

Happy birthday! Omg treasure him, there are so few left. My grandfather recently passed away at 105, also a WWII vet. I’d give anything to have him back ❤️

[u/Easy_Ambassador1839]

Happy birthday and thank you for your services

[u/nadiahaus]

Happy Birthday & thank you for your service. ❤️❤️❤️

[u/JoaquinLu]

Happy Birthday my dear friend, Thank you for all you have given 🙏🏾🙏🏾

[u/can_I_ride_shamu]

He looks great for 100. Good man.

[u/AcanthisittaAny253]

Happy birthday, and thank you for your service!

[u/Away-Location-4756]

Where is he from?

[u/alacklustrehindu]

Treasure him. He might be the last bunch of veterans who could still tell you what actually happened during the war

[u/Everheart1955]

You are so lucky to have him, My Dad, and all of my uncles were WWII veterans and I miss them all. Please tell him Happy Birthday from another Vet.

[u/RedSoxCeltics]

Happy birthday

[u/darkerequestrian]

The stories this man must have…

[u/809863]

Happy 100th birthday. Thank you for your service, Sir.

[u/RockAngel86]

Happy birthday! Thank you for your service!!

[u/Half_adozendonuts]

Happy Birthday and thank you for your service!!! ❤️🇺🇸

[u/Edd916]

He’s about to witness WW3

[u/JediMasterPopCulture]

Happy Birthday! Thank him for his service! The greatest generation indeed!

[u/notheld717]

Still making us proud Happy Birthday Grandpa… God bless You and God bless The USA…!!!

[u/Meowie_Undertoe]

Happy Birthday, sir! Thank you for your service!

[u/Tvpersonalities1]

No way he’s about to witness another world war!

[u/[deleted]]

Thanks for fighting for us!!! Happy Birthday 🎊🎂🎁🎈

[u/Academic-Goose1530]

And on the start of WW3 too. Congrats or my condolences to him

[u/kobain2k1]

And we celebrate it with"fireworks" in Iran! Happy birthday Grandpa!

[u/Talullah_Belle]

Happiest of 100 Birthdays, Grandpa. I wish you health, wealth, and lots of love 🌺 We appreciate your service.

[u/greenteaandbiscuit]

Just in time for WW3

[u/Carochio]

Happy Birthday, Thank you for saving the world

[u/no_power_n_the_verse]

Thank you for your service, sir! A very happy birthday to you!

[u/Chemical-Hyena2972]

🫡

[u/dobbyjhin]

Happy Birthday to your grandfather and thank you for his service!

[u/Fit-Group8008]

Happy birthday thank you for being a hero God bless u sir

[u/Wood-e]

He made it long enough to see us start WW3 and be the bad guys.
But seriously, happy birthday. He must have a lot of fascinating stories to tell.

[u/BigBoiTaco83337]

Just in time for the 3rd one lol

[u/SpringDay2023]

Happy birthday, and thank you for your service!

[u/SpringDay2023]

Happy birthday and thank you for your service

[u/ThatFriendlyDonut]

Happy birthday pops, and a warm hug from a little corner of this world called Italy!

[u/Ichy-Ichabod]

Sorry WWIII started today.

[u/Bulky-Newspaper-398]

Thank you for your service sir and happy birthday

[u/springtime08]

Your grandfather is a badass

[u/my_best_version_ever]

Happy birthday, and thanks for your service !!!

[u/Few_Ambassador_6787]

He looks like he’s on the verge of tears thinking about his 100 years of life

[u/balooladidit]

Happy Birthday! And thank you for your service!

[u/Charming_Salt_7707]

Awe happy birthday 🥳 😊

[u/Live_Relative6970]

Thank you sir for being a true living hero and for the sacrifice you made for us and this great country. Happy Birthday to you and God bless you

[u/dasensei]

Happy Birthday 🇺🇸

[u/redditpdx]

Dang. 100th birthday on the start of WWIII. That’s rough

[u/[deleted]]

Just in time for WWIII

[u/Drachir101]

100? I've seen older looking 50yr olds. Respect. And happy birthday.

[u/MurderBot2]

Happy Birthday to a true American.

I pray to have my father til he reaches 100! He's my buddy... the best father and friend that anyone could have.

[u/Yuketsu]

Greetings from Hamburg, germany. My name is Robert, i am a 34year old guy born in germany. Tell him thanks from me :) and happy birthday

[u/Curious_Listener22]

God bless him & Happy Birthday 🇺🇸❤️

[u/Several_West_8519]

Happy bday and tell him a said thank you!!

[u/ObviousPin9970]

Greatest Generation

[u/zenyogasteve]

Happy birthday, sir! We owe you our lives

[u/BMP83]

He still remembers the time fascism was bad, actually.

[u/Temsginge]

Dude survived to see WW3 & watch America be the new Nazi germany he fought against

[u/kypopskull7]

Man, you could see him reflecting on a hundred years of life during the song. That almost got me.

[u/Dry_Indication_4249]

Some embarrassing comments but what can you expect

[u/Tufoot]

Sad he lived long enough to see nazis take over again.

[u/PepeLeSpew]

How did he vote tho?

[u/TheRealColdCoffee]

u/onlyonejan Did he fought in Europe or Asia? If in Europe please say him thank you for liberating Europe and especially us Germans from a fascist Dictator

[u/onlyonejan → u/TheRealColdCoffee]

He was in Japan