Santa Claus takes a knee for 93-year-old World War II veteran
‘We owe a debt of gratitude to men like this’: Heartwarming moment Santa Claus takes a knee for 93-year-old World War II veteran
- Gina Wilbur was Christmas shopping when she saw Santa Claus walking by
- Santa Claus approached WWII veteran Bob Smiley and took a knee to honor him
- Shook Smiley’s hand with ‘genuine gratefulness’ and thanked him for his service
- Wilbur captured a photo of the touching moment, which has since gone viral
A touching moment between Santa Claus and a World War II veteran is warming hearts across the nation just in time for the holidays.
Gina Wilbur was doing her Christmas shopping at Concord Mall in Wilmington, Delaware last week when she saw Santa Claus walking by.
She was hoping to snap a quick picture of Father Christmas to remind her stepson how special Santa was, but ended up capturing a special moment instead.
Before Santa passed by her, he approached 93-year-old veteran Bob Smiley and took a knee to honor him.
This touching moment between Santa Claus and 93-year-old World War II veteran Bob Smiley has warmed hearts across the nation
Gina Wilbur was doing her Christmas shopping at Concord Mall in Wilmington, Delaware when she captured the touching moment
‘I was sitting on a bench and I just wanted to take a picture of Santa walking by,’ Wilbur told WTFX.
‘And he stopped short, knelt down, and thanked [Smiley] for his service.’
Wilbur posted the photo on social media, revealing that Santa had specifically gotten out of his chair to approach Smiley.
‘I hear Santa telling the gentleman, in a soft voice, of others he knew who served,’ Wilbur wrote in the caption.
‘He shakes his hand with genuine gratefulness, thanking him for his service and returns to the children. Best moment of my day.’
The photo quickly went viral on Facebook, receiving more than 12,000 likes and 5,000 shares.
Santa and Smiley were reunited on Good Day Philadelphia, where Santa revealed why he decided to take a knee for the veteran
Smiley, who served under the famous WWII General George Patton, said it was his ‘duty’ to serve in the military
‘I didn’t realize it was going to be that deep of a moment and the effect of the picture,’ Wilbur said.
‘But it has gone so much further than just the picture. There’s so much depth.’
Santa and Smiley were reunited on Good Day Philadelphia, where Santa revealed why he decided to take a knee for the veteran.
‘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,’ he said.
Smiley, who served under the famous WWII General George Patton, said it was his ‘duty’.
Smiley, who went on to have 10 children and credits his long life to having a drink every day, said he appreciates whenever someone thanks him for his service
‘We all went, we all served,’ he continued. ‘Every boy in my high school graduating class, all served.’
‘Out of 35 boys, five were killed, and they were my friends for 13 years of my life.’
Smiley, who went on to have 10 children and credits his long life to having a drink every day, said he appreciates whenever someone thanks him for his service.
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‘I really appreciate it, and I try to show my appreciation when they do thank me,’ he said. ‘I thank them for thinking about us.’
Santa said he wanted to remind people that every day is a choice to give back to someone.
‘We have that opportunity every day,’ he said. ‘It’s very important to know what it is you’re putting into somebody’s life.’
Santa said he wanted to remind people that every day is a choice to give back to someone
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