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william lashuaThis photo was anonymously posted to the infamous 4chan image board a few days ago. Typically, when 4chan users target a person, it's to pull pranks, send death threats or otherwise troll. But sometimes, the hive mind falls in love.

The old man seen here warmed 4chan's withered heart. Was it his wise visage? His kind eyes? The tragic nature of the "Wanted" sign?

One anonymous poster was able to track down the phone number of the Ashburnham American Legion. Then they got the guy's name, William Lashua. 4chan's anonymous users found his military record and declared, "We are going to throw this guy the best birthday party ever."
They were even able to find the bakery from which William's birthday cake had been ordered. 4chan turned into a big hugfest:

this is the saddest/cutest thing I have ever seen. if this was near me i would gather up some mates and go.
A Reddit thread started by a man confirmed as William's grandson encourages people to send cards rather than show up at the party.

Kind folks of reddit, My family and I appreciate the outpouring of love and generosity. There has been a large misunderstanding. The poster which I'm told was found at the Gardner Stop & Shop was more a local notice for people that know him. It was in no way to indicate that he is alone. He has 7 children, many grandchildren, and even great grandchildren. In his younger years he was a foster parent to dozens of foster children. He is well liked in the community, and will be fully supported on his 90th birthday. I ask that if you don't know him, to not attend the party, as it is for his friends and family. The venue for the party is a very small hall, and will be full to capacity with people he knows and loves.

By all means, send cards and well wishes, but please refrain from sending gifts/strippers/cakes/candies/etc. and instead please make a donation in his name to a local vetrans charity.

Thank you again for all the love and well wishes, we certainly never expected this. You are awesome reddit, now please help me spread the word to other outlets and make sure this is a smaller, enjoyable party for him.

Edit: There are so many replies, I can't begin to respond to them all. I love the fact that the internet has rallied behind this as a cause, and my family is overwhelmed with what we've seen and read. I've made this my soapbox to talk to "internets" and I feel it's a good place to do so. The outpouring of love, respect, and generosity has been amazing to say the least, but really... please... there are so many others less fortunate than my Grandfather that deserve this as well. This Labor Day weekend, go to your local VA hospital, sit, and visit with the men and women there. Stop off at a nursing home and visit there. Donate to a vetrans charity. Do some good for those who fought for you, and really do have no one to call family or friend. Still do all the nice things you wanted to do for my grandfather, please do. Use that positive energy and make someone super happy. They'll appreciate it more than you'll ever know.

Edit again: For those of you still thinking of sending cards, please use the following address: William J Lashua c/o American Legion 132 Williams Road Ashburnham, MA 01430 Thank you.

A Facebook group has now gathered over 5,000 members who want to wish William well on his special day. And it looks like the Lashua family is planning to prepare for some unexpected visitors anyway. According to the grandson:
Yeah, I don't think I can even come close to stopping the internet love machine... as it sits we're gonna have a local cop to direct traffic and run some crowd control if need be.
The grandson is planning to take a ton of pictures of the event, so stay tuned for more coverage of this adorable story.