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william lashuaOn Friday I told you about 4chan's efforts to wish WWII Vet WIlliam Lashua a happy 90th birthday after this birthday invitation was posted to the online image board.

Well, he had his party on Saturday, and a few users from 4chan and Reddit (a much better-behaved website and community whose readers enjoy the more palatable memes from 4chan) showed up to party with Willy. There were also tons of cards and other gifts sent from strangers all over the big, wide internet. It appears that a fun time was had by all.

Read on for photos of the party, some commentary from William's grandson and a video commemorating the event.

First, a YouTube video featuring the highlights of the party along with shots of some of the cards folks from all over the world sent to the Ashburnham VFW, where the party was held. (Warning: Contains profanity)



A dude from Reddit sent a bunch of beef jerky (a popular food on Reddit since a member owns a jerky seller) with a card reading:
Look at all this delicious beef jerky! Happy 90th birthday, young man! From your friends at reddit.com.

According to William's grandson, the old man doesn't have any teeth, so another user jokingly(?) claimed that he'd be sending a blender and bendy straws.


Here's a giant card (from William's real family):



Apparently he can still chew fried chicken...



These girls are from the internet, William. Be careful.



These cards came in from all over the world.



William chilling with some musicians.



Another meme.



A talented Canadian cartoonist sent this gem.



Here are some flowers sent to William. The note reads: "Happy Birthday William! Thank you so much for your service to our country. I hope you have a wonderful day, Liz in Ohio."



Here is William with Reddit user Yiseowl and his friends.


And here's Yiseowl with William's grandson, who is also a member of Reddit.


One blogger called the American Legion and confirmed the following heartwarming statistics:
I called the Legion.
His grandson got on the phone
50 Bouqets of Flowers
20 Cakes
Countless cards.
He said 5 UPS have pulled up today with stuff for him.
They also said the local Postal Mail had 2 trucks full of cards.
I almost cried!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
He told me to pass along to Anonymous a
"Thank You"
And now, my favorite quote from the whole event:
And let me say once again how absolutely wonderful William himself was. I'll go on the record as saying he was the greatest old person I've ever met. At 90 they told me that he lives on his own, still chops his own wood, and he was joking with me the whole night. He was busting balls with all the young kids and even flipped off the camera with a smile on his gummy face in a few photos. The man is my hero just for being awesome."
D'awww! I'm happy to hear it confirmed that William is anything but a lonely old friendless geezer. His grandson reported that he's got a huge loving family and that the original poster used to advertise his party was meant to alert William's existing friends and family.

Here is video from the Lashua family thanking all the people who sent their birthday wishes:



It's always nice to see these sorts of stories pop up. 4chan was once called an "Internet Hate Machine" by Fox News. Sure, they're still responsible for a lot of heinous stuff, but at least there's a bit of warmth in their withered collective heart.




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