World War II veteran Ralph Schilling is passing a monumental milestone on October 30 when he turns 100 years old. In celebration of this feat and the remarkable life he’s lived already, his daughter Barbara is asking for birthday cards for his big day.
As of 2023, an estimated 119,500 American veterans of World War II are still alive, with approximately 131 dying each day of old age. The amount of those who remember and served during humanity’s darkest hour – at every level of service – is decreasing daily and Barbara wants to make sure Schilling knows he is still thought of.
The daughter of World War II veteran Ralph Schilling invites patriots to send cards for his 100th birthday
Navy veteran Ralph Schilling collecting birthday cards for 100th birthday: https://t.co/O0tCN9oXcB pic.twitter.com/T3HssHErJZ
— KCBD NewsChannel11 (@KCBD11) October 20, 2023
Schilling is a Navy veteran who celebrates 100 years at the end of October. Schilling served in the Battle of Vella Lavella in the Navy as a radioman because, he explained, he “didn’t want to shoot anybody.” Throughout his life, Schilling has displayed a tireless work ethic and a passion for everything he does.
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So much so, in fact, that he spent 40 years for the Santa Fe Railway in Fort Worth, Texas. When it came time to retire, he found the transition incredibly difficult because he had such a work-oriented mindset. Much of his time ended up spent volunteering, but he enjoyed some relaxation with dogs and found comfort in religious contemplation.
Honoring Ralph Schilling and all those who served
Across America’s history, over 41 million have served, with over 16 million of those numbers coming from World War II alone. The National WWII Museum reports that pretty much all veterans of that conflict are in their 90s or older. For additional context, of those 16 million who served, the number who still live represents just 1% of that demographic.
In light of these numbers, the museum has taken up “the enormous responsibility to ensure that the memories and experiences of the war will not be lost as those who lived through it leave this world.”
But for those who remain, their family members take on this task at an individual level. That is why Barbara has invited all fellow Americans to send birthday cards to Schilling in time for him turning 100; she asks that cards be sent so she can receive them before October 27. Cards should be sent to the following address:
Ralph Schilling
C/O Barbara Schneweis
8401 Uvalde Ave.
Lubbock, TX 79423
If you have time, please send a #birthday card to this man for his 100th birthday 🎂 🥳 🎉 🎈 https://t.co/xLycpfYYml
— Gay Jones (@Stars252525) October 23, 2023