Brighten Your Day

Santa Kneels To Honor 93-Year-Old WWII Veteran

December 17, 2018

A photo of Santa taking a knee to honor an elderly World War II veteran is spreading holiday cheer around the country.

Credit: Gina Stecher Wilbur / Facebook

Gina Stecher Wilbur was at a mall in Delaware when she saw the heartwarming moment.

Gina Stecher Wilbur wrote:

"Christmas shopping with Cavan and took a second to sit on a bench near Santa's workshop... then Santa steps away from his Chair... he walks over to a veteran sitting on the wall... as Santa approaches, the veteran stands and Santa takes a knee. I hear Santa telling the gentleman, in a soft voice, of others he knew who served. He shakes his hand with genuine gratefulness thanking him for his service and returns to the children. Best moment of my day."

Credit: Gina Stecher Wilbur / Facebook

Wilbur later found out the veteran in the photo is 93-year-old Bob Smiley.

Smiley said that he appreciates the kind words and gestures he's received from strangers.

"I try to show my appreciation when they do thank me," he said. "I thank them for thinking about us."

"We owe a debt of gratitude to men like this, that have made such a life-changing decision to give up themselves, be willing to lay down their life even, for other people," Santa told Fox 5.