WWII Vet Dies On Veterans Day

Alabama Fairhope A local World War II veteran is being honored for his sacrifice while his family prepares to say goodbye.

by Kimberly Curth

Published: Tue, November 11, 2008 - 5:00 pm CST Last Updated: Tue, November 11, 2008 - 5:09 pm CST

A local World War II veteran is being honored for his sacrifice while his family prepares to say goodbye.

88-year-old, George Jahner Sr., died this morning just hours after receiving a special message of thanks from people he never knew.

Jahner was a disabled vet who almost lost his life fighting in World War II. He was awarded the Purple Heart for that brave service. But, Jahner's son says his father worried the sacrifice vets make was not always appreciated, "he thinks that some people really do not appreciate what they have gone through, " said Jahner's son, George Jahner Jr.

Those fears were calmed the night before Veterans Day when Jahner got a very special package in the mail, letters from elementary school students more than a thousand miles away in Pennsylvania, kids that Jahner didn't even know," here's another one 'Dear Veteran, thank you for protecting our country so we can have fun. Gratefully, Adam' and that just, it brought tears to him, and it does me," said Jahner's son, George "and I showed him look Dad they do appreciate and there's people that will never forget you."

The next morning, just hours after looking at those notes, Jahner died on his favorite day, Veterans Day, a day to honor his service, and the other men and women who fight for freedom. There's no question Jahner touched everyone who got to meet him, and even those who didn't. Jahner will be buried Monday at a Veterans' cemetery in North Dakota, where he was born.

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iammel Says:

Tue, Nov 11, 2008 at 5:58 pm

What a beautiful story. I feel such pride and happiness for Mr. Jahner for receiving the gift of appreciation, and I am so sorry for the family’s loss of what from just this glimpse seems to have been a remarkable man. I’m sorry it’s too late to say in person, but thank you, Mr. George Jahner, Sr.