Operation Valentine Bombards 104-year-old War Veteran… with 70,000 Love Letters

104-year-old US Marine veteran William White – who fought at Iwo Jima during World War 2 – today lives in an assisted living facility in Stockton, California. A beloved member there, he keeps everyone’s mood happy with his tales and personality.

One of the more curious anecdotes that William shared with a hint of regret was that even when his wife of 42 years had been alive, the two of them had never really celebrated Valentine’s day with cards or love letters.

This anecdote inspired a fellow resident at the facility to actually launch a social media campaign without the knowledge of William. Codenamed ‘Operation Valentine’, he looked to recruit friends, family members and strangers to send a love letter to William for the coming Valentine’s Day.

He hoped to get around 50 to 100 cards to make the veteran’s day. In the end, he was off by a few.

Over 70,000 greeting cards and love letters poured in not only from all 50 states of America but also from foreign countries.

As was to be expected, the 104 year old was absolutely overwhelmed by the bombardment, with volunteers turning up at the facility to help him open and read all the lovely letters from across the world.

“It’s just too fantastic. It’s something I’ve never heard of or seen. All of a sudden here, like a ton of bricks. I’m sort of speechless.”

- William White

You can check out his video here:

Author's note:

Since 2017, every year, I take up the #BlogchatterA2Z challenge and focus on showcasing lovely real-life heroes from around the world. The aim is to remind you that there is still plenty of good human beings all around you... to inspire you to smile once more.

Want more stories of compassion? 

I have Hundreds of 'Heroes of Kindness' to brighten your day here. Earlier editions can be viewed from the links below:

2017 edition (Articles - 40, Heroes - 67)

2018 edition (Articles - 34, Heroes - 52)

2019 edition (Articles - 31, Heroes - 42)

2020 edition (Articles - 30, Heroes - 64)

2021 edition 

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The 2020 Edition is also available as a book on Kindle too, if you want it that wayyy! (India/ US)