WWII veteran turning 100 hopes for 100,000 birthday cards

A World War II veteran is about to celebrate his 100th birthday in a big way — and he’s hoping thousands of Americans will help him mark the milestone.

Frank S. Wright, a corporal with the U.S. Marine Corps Raider Regiment, fought in Iwo Jima and helped liberate Guam. Now living at Solstice Senior Living in California, Wright is asking for one unforgettable gift: 100,000 birthday cards.

Dancing Into His 100th Year

Wright isn’t slowing down. He says his age hasn’t stopped him from enjoying the dance floor.

‘I love to dance,’ he said. ‘I have supposedly about 50 women that wanna dance with me.’

Wright turns 100 this Saturday, and he’s planning to celebrate with music, laughter and — hopefully — a lot of mail.

The Birthday Wish: 100,000 Cards

With just days to go, Wright has already received nearly 200 cards, including more than 50 from one school alone.

‘I must have 10 or 12 cards that came from Minnesota. I’ve never been to Minnesota,’ he said.

Wright says each card holds meaning, especially one that reminded him of his mother.

‘She would say, “Just a minute, you can’t go anywhere without changing your panties,”’ Wright recalled. ‘That was our saying. That saying was on one of those cards, and it brought back memories.’

How You Can Help

Wright is asking for people across the country to help him reach his 100,000-card goal. Anyone interested can send a birthday message to:

Franks S. Wright, Stockton Marine Corps Club

PO Box 691045

Stockton, CA 95269

‘I open up every card that comes in and every letter that I get,’ he said. ‘That, I appreciate.’