Duane Sherman is a 96 year-old World War II veteran who reserved a Purple Heart during his time in the military.

Though he has lived a long and accomplished life, Duane found himself getting sad about an upcoming birthday. Duane has never used social media or texting and has always used handwritten letters to communicate. In the weeks before his December 30 birthday, the veteran was hoping to receive a few cards in the mail. Sadly, since most of his friends have passed away, Duane did not receive any cards, which left him depressed.

Desperate to help lift her father’s spirits, Sue Morse took to social media to ask strangers to send Duane birthday cards. In addition to Duane’s friends who have died, Sue explained that Duane’s wife of 57 years passed away in 2011 leaving her Dad fairly lonely.

“I wanted to him to feel special on his birthday,” she said.

Her post quickly went viral, and Duane was stunned to receive over 50,000 birthday cards! The cards came pouring in from all fifty states and ten different countries!

Duane was incredibly touched by the cards, saying that getting them was like receiving a Christmas, birthday, and New Year’s gift all wrapped up into one.

“I was amazed, shocked and appreciative,” Duane said. “All the good comments people made, it just brightened my day.”

“I’ll have a hell of a time reading them,” Duane added with a laugh.

We’re so glad to see the world came together to make this American hero’s birthday special! We hope Duane enjoys many more birthdays to come!