"Santa" Kneels To Thank 93-Year-Old Veteran From WWII For His Service

Dec 12, 2018

Santa Claus is a universal symbol of joy and hope. Known as Father Christmas in many countries, Saint Nick is a sure indication of the start of the Holiday Season.

As people decorate their homes and offices for the coming of the most joyous time of year, children eagerly write letters to Santa, sparking their imagination and showing the world their dreams.

Over the past several decades, it has become a tradition for families to visit malls and shopping centers to get their photos taken with Santa.

Seeing the Jolly Old Elf in person is the highlight of many children’s Christmas season, the wonder of the Holiday Season embodied in the frame of a simple man.

Thus was the case at the Concord Mall in Wilmington, Delaware. Like most shopping centers this time of year, the Concord Mall was extremely busy. As families gathered and children finalized their Christmas wish list, people went from store to store in the mall, buying gifts for the people in their lives.

The mall had a Santa Claus too, with children all too eager to get a chance to have their photo taken with the Christmas icon.

The Santa at the Concord Mall saw something different this time as he took a quick break from greeting all the town’s children. Behind the crowds and the mall’s picturesque Christmas decorations sat 93-year old Bob Smiley, a veteran of World War II.

Taking Smiley’s hand, Santa bent down on one knee, thanking the man for his service. Gina Wilbur witnessed the beautiful moment, posting a picture of it on Facebook. Gina relayed how Santa told Smiley of people he knew that served in the military, expressing genuine gratitude for all Smiley sacrificed in the name of liberty.

Wilbur’s photo quickly went viral, attracting the attention of Smiley’s family. Last week, Smiley and his family met with Santa and Wilbur, having their picture taken near a Christmas tree.

As public attention grew, the group appeared in a special segment of Good Morning Philadelphia. In the segment, Santa once again thanked Smiley for his service, noting the importance of acknowledging the sacrifice veterans have made for our freedom.

Smiley himself is ever the humble man, saying that his service in World War II was simply what people did in his day.

What do you think of Santa’s show of gratitude toward Smiley? Have you ever done anything special for the veterans of your community? Let us know - and make pass this on to spread that holiday cheer!