104-year-old World War II vet receives more than 70,000 valentines from well-wishers across the globe

This will be William White's 104th Valentine's Day, and it's shaping up to be the best one yet.

White, 104, is a World War II veteran who lives in an assisted living facility in Stockton, California. A retired major, he received a Purple Heart after being injured at Iwo Jima. One of White's neighbors wanted to honor his service, and put up a request on social media, asking people to send White valentines. The goal was to hit 100, but with a few days to go before Valentine's Day, White has received more than 70,000 cards.

"It's just too fantastic," White told Reuters. Cards have come in from all 50 states, as well as foreign countries. Because there are so many letters, White's family and several volunteers are taking turns opening the cards and reading the messages to him. In one touching note, a woman named Jane said her late grandfather also fought in World War II, and would be turning 100 this year. "I miss him so much," she wrote. "By sending you this card, I feel as though I am sending my grandfather a card."

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White told Reuters he never really celebrated Valentine's Day before, and this experience has left him "sort of speechless." Catherine Garcia