Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Britain Honors Fundraising WWII Vet on 100th Birthday

VOA News

   Britain Thursday went all out to honor the 100th birthday of a World
   War II veteran who has become a national hero for his $37 million
   fundraising effort for the nation's health service.

   A retired engineer and captain in the British Army during World War II,
   Tom Moore wanted to do something nice for the National Health Service
   for the treatment he received after breaking his hip.

   Earlier this month he started an online campaign, pledging to do 100
   laps - using his walker- around his 25-meter yard in exchange for
   donations. He had hoped to raise about $1,200. Instead, within days, he
   had raised millions.

   Since then his effort made "Captain Tom" a British celebrity, and the
   nation showed its appreciation Thursday.

   The Royal Air Force sent two World War II-era planes over his home.
   Congratulatory massages poured in from, among others, Prime Minister
   Boris Johnson, Prince Charles and England football captain Harry Kane.
   About 125,000 birthday cards came in from around the world, enough to
   fill a hall in his grandson's school.

.