What began as a 95-year-old veteran’s hope to serve as a little inspiration for runners turned into a tear-jerking act of gratitude, as countless competitors in a San Jose, Calif., race stopped to thank the man.
Joe Bell, a World War II veteran, watched the race outside his house and dressed in his uniform with the intention of cheering runners on from the sidelines. But as competitors began to race past his home, many approached the 95-year-old with outstretched hands, thanking Bell for his service.
According to USA Today, Bell was cheering on participants in the San Jose 8K, an annual race benefiting the Pat Tillman Foundation. The organization, named after the former football player later killed while serving in Afghanistan, funds scholarships for military veterans.
Julia Prodis Sulek, a reporter for the San Jose Mercury News, and Bell’s neighbor, captured a video of the racers approaching the WWII veteran. As more and more did, a smile began to break out over the elderly man’s face.
“It was an amazing thing,” Sulek told USA Today. “I think he was surprised and touched. I asked him, why was he in uniform? He said he just wanted to inspire the runners.”
Check out Sulek’s awesome video below, and make sure to keep a box of tissues handy.
