On Tuesday, World War II veteran John Knowles spent his afternoon as he's spent many afternoons since late November, reading birthday cards from across the country.
His health is not what it used to be and he decided not to have a birthday party this year on December 18. His family asked for people to write him birthday cards instead, and the response has been stunning. Knowles' daughter, Jana, put the request out on Facebook.
"I think she got surprised," Knowles said. "She probably just asked for local friends, and according to them, I've got friends all over the world."
Knowles is a two-time Purple Heart recipient who served in North Africa and Italy. He said the sheer number of cards has astounded him.
"I am surprised. I've never seen so many cards in all my life," Knowles said.
Since November 30, the Bonaire veteran received over 500 cards, not counting the haul that came in on Tuesday. They are addressed from all over the country, from as close as Warner Robins to as far as Hawaii.
His wife Nadine sits beside him in their living room and reads 50 to 60 cards a day.
"I read as many as I can before I just get worn out," Ms. Knowles said.
Soon, Knowles' card collection could expand overseas as soldiers stationed in Afghanistan have plans to send their own cards, according to Knowles' grandson Tyler Hamrick. Hamrick said the cards have made his grandfather very happy.
"It's really something to see when you can make a 95-year-old man's face light up like a little kid," Hamrick said.
Another big happy birthday came in the form of a Facebook post. U.S. Senator David Perdue and his staff gave their well wishes. Knowles said he knew Perdue's father Sonny for quite a long time.
Although he said each card is special, Knowles does have a favorite so far. He received a card from the grandson of a man he served with in the Army.
It included some history and a picture of his unit.
"Mr. John Knowles, first and foremost, sir, happy birthday ... You, sir, are an American hero," the letter reads in part.
Knowles said the letter reminds him of his days in the Army when he was young and more spry.
Hamrick and other family members pick up the letters from a P.O. box in Bonaire. The nationwide response helped him realize there are still good people in the world. He wishes there were more.
"There are some people in today's world that won't stop and thank a veteran," Hamrick said. "In my eyes, if you see someone that has served or has been in a war, just stop and tell them, 'Thank you.' Tell them, 'Thank you,' tell them that somebody loves them."
Knowles is thankful for all the love he's received.
"It's been overwhelming to see the response," he said.
Those who still want to send Knowles a card can address it to P.O. Box 11, Bonaire, Georgia 31005.