He is turning 100, so his community wants to give him 100 birthday cards: Texas WWII veteran’s remarkable century is being celebrated with a heartfelt tribute

A Texas World War II veteran is preparing to celebrate a remarkable milestone, and his community wants to make sure he receives 100 reasons to smile on his 100th birthday. Weldon Kenneth Bowen, a resident of the Watkins-Logan Texas State Veterans Home in Tyler, Texas, will turn 100 on September 5. To mark the occasion, the Texas Veterans Land Board has launched an appeal encouraging people to send birthday cards to Bowen as part of its “100 for 100” initiative, as per a PEOPLE report.According to a press release from Texas General Land Office Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D., the programme is aimed at celebrating veterans who reach their centennial birthdays. The initiative brings together communities to honour their service and lives by helping them receive at least 100 birthday cards.For Bowen, the celebration is a tribute not only to a century of life but also to his service in the US Marine Corps during the closing months of World War II. Born in Luling, Texas, Bowen enlisted in the Marine Corps shortly after graduating from high school. He officially joined the service on August 3, 1945, as World War II was drawing to a close.After completing basic training, Bowen was stationed at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Washington. His service came during a pivotal period in American history, as the war in the Pacific was coming to an end.Bowen remained in the Marine Corps until August 1946, when he was honourably discharged. During his time in uniform, he earned the Good Conduct Medal and was recognised as an Expert Rifleman.Nearly 80 years after leaving the Marines, Bowen is now set to celebrate his 100th birthday surrounded by a community that wants to recognise the life he has lived and the service he once gave to his country.The “100 for 100” campaign is asking Texans, as well as others who would like to participate, to send Bowen a birthday greeting. The idea is simple: 100 cards for a veteran turning 100.For those who may never have met Bowen, a handwritten birthday card offers a small but meaningful way to connect with someone whose life spans an extraordinary chapter of American history. Each message can serve as a reminder that his military service and century-long journey have not been forgotten.People interested in sending Bowen a birthday card can mail their wishes to:Mr. Weldon Bowenc/o Watkins-Logan Texas State Veterans Home11466 Honour LaneTyler, TX 75708As Bowen approaches his 100th birthday on September 5, the campaign is hoping that cards will arrive from across Texas and beyond, turning an ordinary birthday greeting into a collective celebration of a remarkable life.