On Thursday, President Donald Trump played a special role in fulfilling the birthday wish of Denver Moore, a World War II veteran who turned 104. Moore, an Ohio resident, has been a long-time supporter of Trump and gained attention earlier in the year when a video of him inviting the former president to his birthday party went viral on TikTok, garnering over 890,000 views.
In the video, Moore extended a heartfelt invitation to Trump, saying, "President Trump… I'm gonna be 104 in May, and I'm inviting you to my birthday party in Canal Fulton. I got to vote for you again, and I hope I can vote for you some more." The message resonated widely, drawing responses from across the United States and even as far away as Africa, with many people sending messages and birthday cards to the veteran.
On the day of his birthday, Moore received a special surprise—a video message from Trump himself, delivered by his congressman, Rep. Michael Rulli, R-Ohio. The video featured Trump warmly greeting Moore and wishing him a happy birthday. "Hi, Denver!" Trump said. "I want to wish you a very happy 104th birthday from your all-time favorite president. That's me, Donald Trump." Trump went on to apologize for not being able to attend the party due to his commitments dealing with international affairs, including Russia, Ukraine, and China. He expressed his gratitude for Moore's service to the nation and his support for Trump's vision of making America great again.
The moment was a poignant one for Moore, a resident of Danbury Senior Living facility in Massillon, a town just south of Cleveland. Moore's reaction was captured in a report by WEWS News 5 Cleveland, where he humorously remarked, "Couldn't happen to a nicer guy," after watching the video message.
Moore's story, and his viral birthday wish, caught the attention of many, including Congressman Rulli. When Rulli saw the video, he was not only struck by Moore's impressive age but also by his profound patriotism and service. Rulli was pleasantly surprised to discover that this remarkable WWII veteran resided in his district. Motivated by Moore's story, Rulli reached out to the White House to arrange for Trump to honor Moore's request. The effort was successful, with Trump and his team recording a special video message for the veteran. Rulli expressed his gratitude towards the compassionate team at Danbury Senior Living, who collaborated with his office to make Moore's birthday memorable. "His life and service are a testament to the spirit of our nation, and I’m proud we could celebrate him in such a meaningful way," Rulli stated.
Moore's admiration for Trump is well-known, as he has been a steadfast supporter of the former president, appreciating most of Trump's actions during his presidency. "He may make a mistake or two, but he's doing most everything right," Moore shared with Fox News Digital.
Moore's life story is one of service and dedication. During WWII, he served in the U.S. Army Air Corps before transitioning to a career with the U.S. Postal Service. He was married to his late wife, Thelma Lee, for 75 years until her passing in 2022 at the age of 95. Together, they raised three children. Despite his advanced age, Moore remains mentally sharp and physically active, which his family and friends believe contributes to his longevity.
Reflecting on his long and healthy life, Moore attributes his vitality to staying active. "I was always active, doing something. I carried mail for 20 years, walking, and that was good. I grew up on a farm. We did everything. And if we didn't have anything to do, we created something," he explained. Moore also highlighted the importance of choosing the right partner, adding, "Marry the right woman and live with her all of her life."
The celebration of Moore's 104th birthday and the fulfillment of his wish is a heartwarming reminder of the impact of personal connections and recognition. It also underscores the appreciation for the service and sacrifices of veterans like Moore, whose lives are woven into the fabric of the nation's history.