White, a 104-year-old Marine veteran who fought and was injured in the World War Two battle for Iwo Jima, sits among thousands of Valentine’s Day cards at his home at an assisted living facility in Stockton, California. — Photos: Reuters
STOCKTON, California: William White, a 104-year-old US Marine veteran who earned a Purple Heart in World War Two, is celebrating Valentine's Day this year like never before, surrounded by a mountain of 70,000 love letters and well-wishes sent from all over the world.
The cards and notes to "Major Bill", a retired major who lives in an assisted living facility in Stockton, California, began pouring in after a fellow resident launched a social media campaign called "Operation Valentine", asking friends and strangers alike to send greetings to honour White.
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White, a 104-year-old Marine veteran who fought and was injured in the World War Two battle for Iwo Jima, sits among thousands of Valentine’s Day cards at his home at an assisted living facility in Stockton, California. — Photos: Reuters
Abigail Sawyer, White's nine-year-old great granddaughter, admires his medals while her grandmother Mary Huston sorts through Valentine’s Day cards at White’s home. — Reuters
White sits for a portrait at his home at an assisted living facility, where he is soliciting cards for Valentine's Day in Stockton, California, US. — Reuters
White's daughter Mary Huston sorting through Valentine's Day cards with White’s great granddaughters at his home at an assisted living facility in Stockton, California, US. — Reuters
White in his dress blues featuring the Purple Heart at his home at an assisted living facility, where he is soliciting cards for Valentine's Day in Stockton, California, US. — Reuters
White sits for a portrait at his home at an assisted living facility, where he is soliciting cards for Valentine's Day in Stockton, California, US. — Reuters
Major Bill White, a 104-year-old Marine veteran who fought and was injured in the World War Two battle for Iwo Jima, sits for a portrait at his home at an assisted living facility. — Reuters
White's war memorabilia at his home. — Reuters
Boxes containing thousands of Valentine’s Day cards sent to White. So much mail has been delivered that White's family has had to enlist volunteers to help open the cards and read the warm wishes to him. — Reuters
White speaks at his home at an assisted living facility. — Reuters
Valentine’s Day gifts sent to White from around the world on display at his home in Stockton, California, US. — Reuters
White sits among thousands of Valentine’s Day cards with his great granddaughters at his home at an assisted living facility in Stockton, California, US. — Reuters
White is bemused at the absolute avalanche of Valentine's cards sent to him. — Reuters
White pointing to an iconic photograph depicting the raising of the United States flag atop Mount Suribachi, displayed in a table he constructed at his home at an assisted living facility where he is soliciting cards for Valentine's Day in Stockton, California, US. — Reuters
White reading through Valentine's Day cards with his great granddaughters Abigail Sawyer (nine years old) and Nicole Sawyer (seven years old) at his home at an assisted living facility in Stockton, California, US. — Reuters
Nicole Sawyer, seven-year-old great granddaughter of White reading Valentine's Day cards sent to him in Stockton, California. — Reuters
Thousands of Valentine’s Day cards sent to White hang at the community dining room at his assisted living facility in Stockton, California, US. — Reuters
Thousands of Valentine’s Day cards sent to White hang at the community dining room at his assisted living facility in Stockton, California, US. — Reuters
Boxes containing thousands of Valentine’s Day cards sent to White at his home at an assisted living facility in Stockton, California, US. — Reuters
Abigail Sawyer, nine-year-old great granddaughter of White, reads Valentine's Day cards sent to him in Stockton, California, US. — Reuters
White sits for a portrait at his home at an assisted living facility where he is soliciting cards for Valentine's Day in Stockton, California, US. — Reuters
Major Bill White, a 104-year-old Marine veteran who fought and was injured in the World War Two battle for Iwo Jima, sits among thousands of Valentine’s Day cards at his home at an assisted living facility in Stockton, California, US. — Reuters
White's memorabilia on display at his home at an assisted living facility in Stockton, California. — Reuters
Major Bill White, a 104-year-old Marine veteran who fought and was injured in the World War Two battle for Iwo Jima, sits for a portrait at his home at an assisted living facility where he is soliciting cards for Valentine's Day in Stockton, California, US. — Reuters
White playing with a bear sent to him for Valentine’s Day with his great granddaughter Abigail Sawyer, 9 years old, while his daughter Mary Huston sorts through Valentine's Day cards in Stockton, California, US. — Reuters
White reads through Valentine's Day cards with his great granddaughters Abigail Sawyer (9 years old) and Nicole Sawyer (7 years old) at his home at an assisted living facility in Stockton, California, US. — Reuters
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