WWII Veteran Joe Gets Over 400 Cards For His 101st Birthday

A World War II veteran says he was ‘overwhelmed’ to receive more than 400 cards from well-wishers for his 101st birthday.

Broughton House Veteran Care Village in Salford, where Joe Jervis has lived since April, and The Veterans Food Co, which supported him when he lived at home, initially set a joint target of getting 101 cards for him to mark the occasion.

But Joe was inundated with cards from local schools, the Albion Academy Combined Cadet Force (RAF), social media followers and many others.

Among those attending his party at Broughton House were RAF cadets from the academy, Wing Commander David Archibald, who is the officer commanding the Greater Manchester Wing of the Air Training Corps, standard bearers from the Stockport Armed Forces Community Organisation and other veterans, along with friends of Joe.

The Veterans Food Co supplied food and cake for the occasion.

Joe said: “I was overwhelmed to receive so many cards and that so many guests came to the party. It brought me immense joy to see that so many people care. I didn’t think people would remember – it truly made my day.”

Wing Commander David Archibald said:
“It was an inspirational and very happy event, and it was great to see Joe and the other veterans in such fine spirits.”

Jane Green, director of care at Broughton House, said:
“Joe only moved in a couple of months ago but he has rapidly endeared himself and has become a popular resident at our care village.

“We were delighted to host the party in honour of his 101st birthday and it was lovely to see him so happy celebrating with his friends and representatives from the RAF and veterans’ organisations, along with residents and staff.

“We set ourselves a target of getting 101 cards for him but ended up with over 400, which was a fantastic achievement. It’s great to see that so many people in the wider community care about our veterans and it helped make the occasion extra-special for Joe.”