Wilmore, Ky. – The city’s mayor and a local veterans center have teamed up to honor four World War II veterans who are reaching the milestone of a century or more this year. Mayor Harold Rainwater and the Thomson‑Hood Veterans Center are asking residents to send birthday cards to the veterans, with the goal of collecting enough cards to equal each veteran’s age.
Veterans being celebrated
The four honorees are:
- Glen Cummins, Army veteran, turning 100 on August 30
- Ronald Grimes, Army veteran, turning 100 on September 2
- Vince Guagliardo, Navy veteran, turning 101 on September 25
- Paul Jones, Navy veteran, turning 104 on October 30
With only about 500 World War II veterans remaining in Kentucky, each survivor represents a living link to a pivotal era in American history. “It’s very important to hear their stories. It’s important to honor them. It’s important that they feel valued,” Mayor Rainwater said.
How to participate
Cards can be mailed to 106 Bruner Drive in Wilmore or dropped off at Wilmore City Hall on South Lexington Avenue. Organizers hope the community will respond in large numbers, allowing each veteran to receive a card for every year of his or her life.
The effort reflects a broader tradition of local communities supporting their elders and preserving the memory of those who served. By reaching out with simple handwritten notes, residents can help ensure that these veterans feel the gratitude of a grateful nation.
Why the drive matters
Beyond the personal sentiment, the card drive underscores the importance of intergenerational connection. Younger residents gain a tangible reminder of the sacrifices made by the Greatest Generation, while the veterans receive a visible sign that their service continues to be remembered.
Local businesses and churches have already pledged to spread the word, and several schools plan to incorporate the veterans’ stories into history lessons. The initiative demonstrates how a small town can rally around its seniors, reinforcing the values of family, faith, and liberty that shape community life.
Anyone interested in participating should send cards promptly, as the veterans’ birthdays fall within the next few months. For more information, contact the Thomson‑Hood Veterans Center at (555) 123‑4567 or visit the city’s website.
Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.
