Incredible 100-Year-Old WWII Vet Walks His 100th Mile To Raise $100,000 For Charity

Sep 01, 2020 by apost team

You could say that this 100-year-old World War II veteran has already served his time. But as this incredibly generous and selfless man has shown the world by walking 100 miles for charity, you're never too old to give back to your community.

World War II veteran Mickey Nelson was inspired by the story of Captain Tom Moore, a British World War II veteran who wanted to raise money for hospitals in Britain. He raised millions of dollars from fans across the world by walking around his garden exactly 100 times.

Inspired by this act of generosity, Mickey Nelson announced that he would walk 100 miles to raise money for The Salvation Army. He started out with a modest goal of $5,000, but as you're about to find out, he ended up raising much more than that.

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While Nelson started out walking alone, when he reached the finish line, he was accompanied by friends, family members, and supporters who were there to walk with him and cheer him on. Over the course of the summer, he managed to raise a whopping $100,000 for The Salvation Army, far exceeding his original goal. He also gained fans around the country, who were impressed and inspired by this veteran's desire to help his community.

Of course, once he completed his 100th mile, his friends and family couldn't let the moment pass without a little celebration. Before he started his final walk, Nelson was offered a ride in an authentic World War II military Jeep with a few war reenactors, reports KIRO7. Nelson told KARE he hadn't ridden in a vehicle like this since 1943. The Jeep drove him to the local bar, where he and the reenactors relaxed and enjoyed some sodas before the big moment arrived.

Finally, it was time for Nelson to complete his 100th mile. But he didn't do it alone. He was accompanied by friends, relatives, neighbors, supporters, and anyone else who wanted to join him on the journey. Several people waved small American flags to celebrate his military service. And when he finally crossed the barrier at the finish line, it was clear that this was an accomplishment that nobody would forget in their lifetimes.

So why did Nelson choose The Salvation Army out of all the other charities in the country? Nelson grew up in the Great Depression when food was scarce and people would line up for days just to get a loaf of bread. Clearly, he never forgot the experience. And while the Great Depression is long gone, thousands of people still go to bed hungry in this country. As a result, Nelson decided to raise money for The Salvation Army to help them further their cause of feeding hungry people.

Mickey Nelson was already a war hero. And now, in his 100th year, he's become a hero for his community as well. We can only imagine what an honor it must be to know this man in person, and we're sure that his friends, family, and neighborhood will carry on his legacy long after he's gone.

Did this story of an inspiring veteran make you shed a tear or two? Or maybe it inspired you to start your own walk for charity? Let us know what you thought in the comments. And don't be afraid to send this video to friends and co-workers so they can be just as inspired as you were.