Wish a lonely vet Happy 90th Birthday!

[silverojo]

His name is William J. Lashua. He'll be 90 on September 4th.

I know it's short notice, but even a late-arriving card would help tell this man that we're grateful for his service in WWII.

His home town's American Legion actually put up a "Wanted" flyer, trying to find people who will attend this man's 90th birthday party.

An image of the flyer is here (copy and paste into your browser):
img11.imagehosting.gr/out.php/i1448393_vet-sm.jpg

If you can send a card, or even a small gift, here is the address:

William J. Lashua
c/o Ashburnham American Legion
132 Williams Rd.
Asburnham, MA 01430

Thank you. :)

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

1. LOL

Go back to 4chan.

[Hawkeye-X]

2. No compassion?

You must really get off on picking on elderly folks.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

3. Well that's the thing, isn't it?

This is a viral prank that 4chan's been working for a day or so now.

They claim their sending him birthday cards. Also hate mail. Strippers. Some say they're going to show up personally.

I don't think any of it's about being compassionate to an old man. And even if some of it is, he's probably going to get more compassion from strangers than he'd ever want.

[pinboy3niner]

5. His grandson posted this:

I am William J Lashua's Grandson. Please read this. (self.reddit.com)
submitted 2 hours ago by HOLYSHITthrowaway

Kind folks of reddit, My family and I appreciate the outpouring of love and generosity. There has been a large misunderstanding. The poster which I'm told was found at the Gardner Stop & Shop was more a local notice for people that know him. It was in no way to indicate that he is alone. He has 7 children, many grandchildren, and even great grandchildren. In his younger years he was a foster parent to dozens of foster children. He is well liked in the community, and will be fully supported on his 90th birthday. I ask that if you don't know him, to not attend the party, as it is for his friends and family. The venue for the party is a very small hall, and will be full to capacity with people he knows and loves.

By all means, send cards and well wishes, but please refrain from sending gifts/strippers/cakes/candies/etc. and instead please make a donation in his name to a local vetrans charity.

Thank you again for all the love and well wishes, we certainly never expected this. You are awesome reddit, now please help me spread the word to other outlets and make sure this is a smaller, enjoyable party for him.

http://www.reddit.com/r/reddit.com/comments/d8uyh/i_am_william_j_lashuas_grandson_please_read_this/

[silverojo]

7. It's not a prank

People have called the Legion to confirm that it's legit.

[Name removed]

4. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[shireen]

6. He has a facebook page. :)

http://www.facebook.com/pages/William-J-Lashuas-Birthday/147964501901246

[Dystopian]

8. This brings back memories that I must post.

Happy Birthday, William Lashua.
I hope that you were not one of the veterans who would not let my husband march in the Veterans Day parade back in 1970.
There was a fistfight.
I hope you were one of the good guys.

Yes, Joe lived in Ashburnham, MA.
His hair was long. A Vietnam vet. USMC
No one was grateful for his service.



peace~

*This hit a nerve. May get removed....I don't care. Seems like only yesterday*

[Maru Kitteh]

9. He picked a good one! 9/4 is my birthday too :-)

I will not be 90. :+