This is why RUclips should exist not for all the garbage but for all the greatness. Mr heasley you know already know you should be a national treasure. As should this man and his family
I respect him so much, not just for his WW II service, but for his patience. He went through the Great Depression and worked in CCC camps during the 1930s when he was a teenager in order to earn money to help support his parent's big family, and then WW II in the South Pacific. He was a car enthusiast and could fix all those army vehicles and keep them running. He was very important to the 81st Fighting Wildcats. He told me about one time when nobody could start the Diamond T trucks and he spoke up and told the commanding officer he knew how and showed everybody.
@@thewriter2549 these are the stories you'll never hear. My grandmother was born in 1940 and I still tell her all the time they were the last great generation of true strong bloodlines my grandfather's hands were like baseball mitts and my grandmother could fix anything. My grandmother here in Pittsburgh had 14 brothers and sisters and they all fought in different wars all the boys. There's actually a pretty good article about it here in Pittsburgh. Not just about the cars but the people in these stories I mean these are epic these are legends these are the things we should be learning about. I think you should add that to the story because it just makes this man that much more relatable and a hero. Time goes so fast andSome of the stories you'll never hear or know but have changed and made freedom what it was now things are getting different cuz there's not a lot of strong people left like that but I love watching these videos and you're a great man so keep up the good work.
R.I.P. dear Mr. West (May 17th, 1920 - Feb 9th, 2023). You were a real treasure! Thank you for your service. What a beautiful story this was! Made me cry. Thank you.
Rest in peace. Thank you for serving the country and saving many lives I know you can see this message from heaven. You really were a brave soul to serve our country. My grandpa was also a soldier in WW2.
God rest his soul may he be in the kingdom of heaven. He's probably driving those same cars in heaven like how he did here on earth and though you don't have to eat in heaven he can eat what ever he wants and drink whatever he wants without getting sick because in heaven there's no such thing as pain, sorrow, or illness. God bless him and his entire family. ❤
SWEAR!! I need to stop smoking and drinking cause last week is a blur yet I'm feeling envy seeing him remember the "glory days" even tho it was in a terrible time period.
If you need help understanding him, turn on subtitles. This man is a national treasure, not just for serving, but for living and still able to remember it all.
it's unreal that we live in a world where we praise people to go out and kill people that they've never meet and to just keep wars and corruption going on around the world......
Being a young man myself, 22 years old, I’m really realizing there are very few WW2 veterans left. This was an amazing video, I enjoyed every bit of it.
I enjoyed this video also and your right very few left,my grandfather passed not too long ago 100 years old,tough old bastard still had his mind also ,ww2 combat medic
he is an inspiration, my heart goes to that family and will for years. that car i thought bout finding my dads fathers car the 55-57 chevy that was brought to our house to be built. i have been looking for one to surprise my dad as the oldmobile my grandparents along with the pontaic i miss those days. cars are not worth my $$$$$
"Don't go to far away we might have to walk back" I absolutely love that, that's a man with some life experience right there. Thank you for your service sir.
What a great representation of an American family. All the generations of good people. Thanks for the reminder of how we should treat our veterans and older family members.
This guy was born in 1920 and he's still living at home and mentally with it. A great, great granddaughter, old chap has lived a good long life and has a wonderful family
My grandpa was like him, 4 of my uncles died, he told me that it wasn't logic that he was burying his kids, at 104 he refused to eat or drink water or be attended by a nurse, my grandpa on my mothers side, was diagnosed with cancer at 81, and he was given 6 months, he was treating himself with cannabis, something I learned later, he died at 95....
my family had many that lived into their 90s and beside normal wear and tear, some diminished hearing and vision , they were all there..they ate nothing but garden grown produce and farm raised meats, my friends and siblings who ate store bought franken food all look like theyre 90 , at 60... food for thought
As someone who had lost both my parents by the age of 26 and the fact that I never knew or had any grandparents at all, let me say that these people are the epitome of a family that everyone wishes they had. Y’all are beautiful and blessed beyond measure; thanks for sharing your joyousness🥰
I’m sorry you went through that. I grew up in the 90’s and had a big family, it made me who I am… then in a span of 10 years everyone died, divorced or disowned. Now I’m all that’s left… so my two little boys (4 month old and a 2 year old) have nobody. I not only feel terrible for them, but extremely guilty that I had what they cannot. You’re so very right about the people in this video… they are lucky to have each other.
I lost my father at 16 and all my grandparents by the same age as you but I still have my mother. I always wanted to have 4-5 generations at once but we never managed more than 3. Currently only at 2 because of my mom. It is a blessing many people will never know.
You all are so lucky to have him. My dad passed away at age 59. He has been dead for 52 years. He was an FBI agent in New York City during World War II doing surveillance on spies. After he left the FBI he opened his own law practice. I wish I could tell him how much I love him.
Paul, now that I know a bit more on how the universe and people that passed away go on, I know that your father KNOWS that you love him. He is more with you than you realise!
You can they maybe gone but they never leave you. I've been blessed to witness things I cannot explain. Such as talking and looking away for a second from and the person (lack of words) they were gone. I'm not a bible thumper but there are things of this world that cannot be explained by science.
@@HemiChrysler go on somewhere it doesn’t always have to be negativity just act like a mature adult not like a little ass kid. People have their own opinion on how they look at things most people think god is real while other people don’t think he is real because if you said that crap to someone in real life hell I don’t even think you would because your too wussy to do that because of the fact that you know very well that will get you killed so just quit
@@HemiChrysler there's only one God. The most High Jesus Christ. If you want to get more technical you have the Trinity, the Father, the Son & the Holy Spirit making up the Co-Eternal Godhead.
The bit about him never talking about the war reminds me so much of my grandfather. He served in Korea and never talked about the war. He wasn't appreciative when someone would ask, either. He took his stories to the grave. Years after his death, my aunt gets a call from one of his service buddies. He knew his time was running short and wanted to make sure our family knew about what my grandpa did in the war. He was in the thick of it. Brutal hand-to-hand fighting in awful conditions. He was a real warrior. These old timers have been through things most of us could never imagine.
It's hard to believe but my grand grandfather do the same, his service was on East front in ww2. To all questions about a war he usually answered like "everybody shoot, and so I am ", and about what was he doing - "I was a cook and fed our soldiers", as it later became clear from his found documents, he served in field intelligence...
My Grandfather was like that too; served in Korea but never talked about it, though from the very little I heard I don't think he saw too much combat luckily.
My Dad wasn't old enough for the older wars, but he served in the early 80's. He never talked about his service though even though he wasn't in combat either.
102 years old and would never talk about it just shows how traumatic war is. This is a wonderful story. And I can't imagine living long enough to know my great-great grand children. I was born in 1951, all my great great grandparents died in the late 19th or early 20th century.
It scares me as apart of the new generation we might be facing the same thing if not worse. WWIII has never been more than a joke to me but now it’s abundantly clear our leaders are failing us more than ever.
Maybe you'll be the family member who gets to live long enough to see their great,great grandchildren? My grandmother lived to be 99 years old but, on dec 13 2013 she sat down in a living room chair and painlessly passed away. I miss her very much. But for 65 years she took care of herself by riding a stationary bicycle 5 miles a day, 7 days a week, she ate right and got plenty of rest too. That's my hope for you. Plz stay well
I was a social worker with the VA - and our WWII Veterans are the BEST people I’ve ever had the privilege to know. My own Grandpa - Richard Galloway - served in the S. Pacific. It’s so nice to see this gentleman enjoying life with his wonderful family.
I am a Vietnam vet. And watching this video and to see this 102 yr old Vet, helped me with PTSD. And thinking all he went through and watching him drive his 46 caddy after all years. Gave me a happy heart. God Bless you my brother in arms and all your wonderful Family.
we will read your comment directly to Walt, we are already in the process of another video where we do this, maybe send me an email - jerryheasley@gmail.com
Thanks so much for your support, I appreciate it so much. You are my Hero. God Bless you and your family and hope y’all have a wonderful blessed Christmas and New Year. With much Christian love ❤️, Jim
Jesus Christ can remove your PTSD. Do you believe it? Thank you for your service James Stanley. Also, I want to let you know that Jesus loves you. Jesus is greater than the PTSD you may be facing. God promises in His word, the Bible that God gives us a Sound Mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 NJKV says “7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” So, in the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, I pray that you receive a sound mind, and that you will see the deliverance of God in your life. Every spirit of insanity, lunatic and PTSD must leave in the Name of Jesus Christ! Amen.✝️❤️🕊 Get to know Jesus, because He is the only Way to Heaven. There is NO other way to Heaven except through the Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible says in Romans 10:9-11 NLT “9 If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. 11 As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.”” Jesus doesn’t promise that you won’t have trouble in life, but He promises to be with you all the way through and to bring your soul to Heaven when you die. Remember even the Devil believes in Jesus, but he isn’t going to Heaven. You got to truly repent and turn from your ways and accept God’s free gift. It’s not by works that you can go to Heaven so that no one can boast in their own goodness. God bless you all!✝️🕊❤️
My dad was in wwll, and I just now have found info on what all he did . I did hear he also hitchhike across the US, from California, to Missouri. Loved this story of him and what you all did to get his car drivable again!
The wife's father was too. Seeing stuff like this makes me wish I listened to him more ,even though Id listen to every war story like it's the gospel. He would get a kick out of this vid so much ,I'd probably have to go find the car he starts talking about from his day so he could take it for a drive.
That’s a blessing right there. I’m Mexican. My dad retired left to Mexico to live his retirement but he left me his 93 custom Silverado. Which I’m working to restore the way it was when I was growing up. Going to do my best to conserve it so when I have kids they can ride my dad truck. He had two late 80 trucks beautiful trucks when I was kid but sold them to bring us to the USA.
That's a great gift he gave you. It's a cliche but it's true that they don't make trucks like them anymore. I have a 94 flatbed with the 454, and it puts in WORK to this day. They're bulletproof (well except the door handles lol)...
Oh my god… my life is going that way precisely to! My mom and dad are gonna live at Mexico for the rest of their life. I want to retrieve his1994 Chevrolet d10 he sold, which he used to work when migrated to usa to give us a better life. I want to build it precisely how he had it and gift it to him.
My dad was a WWII Army medic, enlisted underage, left high school, spent three years, bronze star awarded. When this man said he never talked about the war, those are the same words I have said about my dad. Mine passed at only 59 years old, almost 40 years ago. You're so blessed to have yours with you to this ripe age. Thanks for sharing!
my uncles all served in the war and never talked about it until I was in my 20's. I was born in 1952. my brother in law's dad served as well, they know he served because he suffered from post trauma throughout his life but when he died they got a hold of a diary he kept from his experience and made copies for very child and one story was when he return home. he served in the Pacific and they shipped him to CA and than he and some friends who home was in the hills and coast of MA were left to get home. it was Christmas and buses has stopped so they walked around town and a family of Jewish people saw them in their uniforms and picked them up and asked what they were doing. they took these men home with them and got a Christmas tree with presents for them and celebrated the night and day with them until they could get a bus home. the dairy was a eye opening for the children about their dad.
Hey man bless you man I know what it's like to lose someone so young I know he is with you everytime I touch or use my dads tools I feel him with me Australia
My Dad was 16 when my grand ma signed for him to join the army during WW2, he never spoke about it either and he also died at 59 years old.. I'd give anything to be able to talk to him about anything...Everyone is so busy and then their gone and you can only wish.. Same with my brother, he did 2 tours in Vietnam , didn't want to talk about it and he passed last summer, at 72...
What an awesome memory for the world you just shared ❤️ my pop was a pilot in WW II and it's a privilege to hear the stories. It's amazing you never hear these heros complain. Thank you again that was priceless 🇺🇸
No you don't hear them complain and they don't think they were heroes, in their view they were just doing their jobs so they could get back home to the greatest nation in the world, it always has been and always will be, no body deserves credit for that then fine men like Walt hear, yeah boy 👍
This brings a big smile to my face. My grandpa was a WWII vet. He passed away when I was born. I just loved seeing the bond this family has. Thank you for your service. Enjoy the rides with your dad, grandpa, great grandpa, great great grandpa. Each day is a blessing.
Its so gratifying seeing a family looking after their senior members rather than just throwing them in an Old Peoples' home. A lovely story. A fine gentleman.
I am Filipino born in Philippines in 1976. My family migrated to Guam in the 80s. After my schooling I joined the army and was with the 82nd airborne division and 173rd Airborne Combat Team. I have served in multiple combat zones but nothing like the ones this man and his comrades have made. Thank You for your service and sacrifice and my deepest gratitude for those who made the ultimate sacrifice for a country that wasn't their own. He is a lucky man to have a wonderful family.
Total respect. What a wonderful story. This man served in WW 2, and has had the courage to live over 100 years in this tough world we live in. If I was ever given the opportunity to sit and talk with this man, it would be an honor, truly.
FOR a 102-year-old he has a great recall memory even better than those of us in our 70's LOL!!! This dear soul is PRICELESS and enjoying life as he sees it is amazing. So Be It!!!
"That experience...is just priceless" sums it up pretty well. What an amazing way to celebrate a 102-year birthday with someone like this. I vicariously enjoyed every moment of this. I started watching for the car and ended up enjoying the life story moment more.
Thank you, I get along well with car people and then got interested in WW2. There's just something special about people that work on cars and like cars. You know what I mean?
I wanted to cry .My dad had a 48 Chevy and we were too young to appreciate it.I love this family .God bless you all,especially the great grandfather .God bless .Vetri South Africa 🙏🇿🇦🙏
This man's recollection is amazing at 102! My father was a WWII vet who served in the Philipines after waiting to get taken in ( the armed forces took the younger guys first and guys with specific skills needed as they could only train, cloth , feed so many people at a time). ALL my uncles and my wifes' uncles were WW II vets. And growing up all my friends fathers were WW2 vets. What was interesting was, I recall as a kid, each man - never really talked about the war and what they did , and if they did it was very general , like "Oh, I was in the Navy, " or "I was in the Pacific", not much more than that. What they saw and experienced most of us cant imagine. Truly THE GREATEST Generation, the likes of which we are truly gifted to have known. Sadly so few are still with us.
Every generation after the WWI & WWII Vets is standing and thriving because of them. This country is for ever in debt to those Veterans. My God, are they owed respect and gratitude. Cheers!
I am happy, for only one reason, that all the vets of WWII have passed on in my family. That none have had to suffer the indignity of seeing a tribal, racially hatful, generations of weak men that have grown as a result of the good times they secured for us. Strong men create good times. Good times great weak men and weak men create bad times. The unintended consequences of prosperity on the human animal.
They were NOT the "Greatest Generation". Like any generation, they had strengths, and they had flaws. The American WW2 Generation was a HIGHLY RACIST generation, where Black people could not even drink from the same water fountains, could not eat in the same restaurants, could not attend the same schools, could not swim in public swimming pools etc. The WW2 generation threw Japanese-AMERICANS into internment camps, and despite the fact that Japanese-AMERICAN soldiers were the most highly decorated unit in U.S. military history, the Japanese-AMERICANS still faced huge amounts of racism when they returned to the United States. The American WW2 generation believed that white people were the superior race, and they looked down upon and discriminated against non-whites and women. Those are facts.
@Allosaurus 67 Nope, I disagree. Here's another fact. The WW2 generation had very low divorce rates. You'd think that's a good thing, right? Well it wasn't. They had low divorce rates because women, didn't have the skills nor education to leave men who were physically and emotionally abusing them. They did not have the skills nor education to get good jobs to support themselves, so they were forced to stay in these marriages. Many men would beat the living daylights out of their wives, yet these women stayed with them because women's rights were, basically, non-existent. I could go on and on and on. But the bottom line is this: Every generation has its flaws. Every generation has good things and bad things. Every generation thinks theirs is better than the one that comes after them. Every generation blames the one before.
@@user-sg8kq7ii3y yes they are better than our shitty generation, people nowadays, are stuck on tik tok and other bs, tell me how this generation is so much better, than the past generations, I’m waiting. This generation is a complete disaster. Most people in this generation are stupid, cannot form coherent sentences, I can go on. So please explain to me how this generation is so much better than past generations… Nowadays you have lots of women disrespecting men for no reason, thinking they are better, they are independent, they don’t need a man. They want men that are already secured, have a certain financial standing. They don’t even bat an eye on a lot of men trying to get their stuff together, instead those guys are getting made fun of. Looking at this, this is quiet bleak. Obviously, not every women is like that, but a lot of these women and girls from this generation are way too invested in instagram or other stupid social medias, so again tell me how this generation is so good!
What a fantastic family..!! Walt, thank you for your service.. freedom isn't free.. To the Son, thank you for taking the time to fix your Dad's Caddy.. excellent work. To the remainder of the Family, cherish this moment. To the content creator, the best video I've seen in years. Perfect balance of history, still photos and video. Pat yourself on the back.
My God, where do you begin. This veteran deserves so many thank-yous for his WWII service! So interesting to hear his stories about WWII and survival. His total recall at 102! Amazing! His love for that 1946 Cadillac. Truly wonderful that his son got to drive with his dad at 102 years of age. Tears in my eyes as I write.
Hard to believe, but we got his 1955 Ford (that he bought new) running for his 99th birthday, which was 3 years ago! Man, time flies. We wanted to get the '46 Cadillac going for the 100th, but as you can see in the video, man that old car needed a whole lot more than expected.
I enjoyed my almost half hour with this video. Thank you for sharing and thank the gentleman for his service rescuing my country the Philippines 🇵🇭 from the Japanese. Thank you.
@@thewriter2549 that's real history for you Sir. Is the service gentleman your dad or grandpa? I am proud of him for what he did as a soldier and happy you did something for him that makes him happy and smile afterwards.
This is whats its all about FAMILY.thanku sir for ur service as WWII hero for protecting all of us and our FREEDOM .all of our past and present are heros . and that JOY of happiness on your FACE while driving priceless . this is what a family should be . 🇺🇸 GOD BLESS U AND YOUR FAMILY🇺🇸
Would love to shake that mans hand and hear some words of wisdom and experience. I can listen to these old timers all day. Makes me miss grandpops alot, both of them. Bless him and his health.
My Dad was at normandy Beach a story he told me will forever be with me. I wish we would’ve had more time together but I went into the Army at 17 in 1970, last thing he ever said to me was how proud he was of me. This is a great story of a great man so happy he got to ride and drive his Cadillac again.
My Dad was in the hospital in physical therapy for knee surgery for Normandy and caught up with his unit D5. He passed in 2014. An entire generation of heroes.
Bless his soul. One of the few American hero’s left from WWII. It’s an absolutely amazing honor to get some insight into this mans life. His sacrifice will never be forgotten.
I just want to say how grateful I am that you put this tribute to your daddy together for us to view. I never had grandparents but I’ve always loved to be around older people for as far back as I can remember and to see this and all your family together and smiling and riding in that car made me shed tears of joy. God has surely blessed you all!
Seeing his smile when he saw his Cadillac driving once again was so nice it’s moments like those that makes me tear up especially since I also have a great grandma and grandpa ❤
This brings back SOME great memories of what I wanted to do for my parents as we all advanced in age (I'm 71 next month). In 10 days time my Dad would have been 100 years of age, sadly he passed away in 2004, 14+ years after we lost my Mum in 1989. I won't drag this out except to say I WISH TO CHRIST I'D BEEN A BETTER SON FOR BOTH OF THEM! I would have LOVED to buy them their favourite car each, sadly they're both gone now and there's nothing I can do about it. For whatever it's worth from me, THANKYOU for sharing this absolutely beautiful story and I hope your Dad lives to his desired age and more! Take care and all the very best.
Just you wishing for gifts if you could afford them makes me feel that you were a better son than you think. God bless you and don't be so hard on yourself!
Every now and again you strike gold on RUclips and THIS is one of them - 26:22 of pure viewing pleasure !. An absolutely lovely old-man with his equally lovely family - AND with a story to tell !. Hopefully there's more of the 'Living History' as Walt is still very sharp !
My Dad was a WW2 vet. He passed in "05". I absolutely adore seeing your Dad enjoy driving that car. Makes me think of my own father. Cherish every day. You folks are truly blessed.
My grandpa is a 96 year old WWII vet from the Pacific Navy USS South Dakota and he has had 2 strokes and came back from them like a champ but is told not to drive anymore.Gave his Buick to my dad and is still going strong
What a great video and even better back story. Gotta love this guy and his whole family. Thank you for your service Walt. Because freedom isn't free. But thanks to brave men and women like you, we get to live in a free country. And for that, I can't thank you enough. Yeah boy!
My dad also served in the Pacific under General McArthur in WWII. USAF First Lt. and pilot of a Douglas C-47 hauling our brave US Marines around to parachute into battle. I miss him so.
How beautiful your father's laugh, how beautiful it was to make him live his days of glory, how beautiful the respect they have for their war veterans and the pride that it gives them, but there is nothing nicer than doing a 102-year-old father again. years old, as if I were only 35, even if it was for a few meters in your car, I congratulate you and thank you, for reminding me of what I no longer have physically, which is the love of a father for a son and of a son for a father, thanks again from Argentina.
The old gentleman is a national treasure. Thank you so much for going to the trouble of getting that vintage Cadillac running so he could drive it once more. I hope he's around long enough to take many more rides in it. My own father (b. 1920) served during WWII, in the China-Burma-India theatre -- a theatre you don't hear too much about. My Dad, his blessed memory, would come out to the guest room off the garage where I'd stay when I was home, and yarn to me of an evening about his time in the service. Being a veteran myself, I just loved hearing his yarns.
such a beautiful family, I'm 44 and I've already lost all of my grandparents, last one on my mom's side passed years ago now, I lost my mom just over 3 years ago. I never got the time to really bond with my grandparents, and don't even remember my great grandparents on either side of the family. Those who have all of their family alive and around, treasure it, don't take anyone for granted, because one day, they'll be gone.
This Man is what i call Man of Honor. His memory and his loyalty to his country and is beyond priceless. Let alone his love for his Cadillac!! That his Son restored for his Pops to drive is beyond Priceless. God bless these people.
My grand dad would be 102 this year . He grew up in Sunset Tx and was drafted in 42 he served in the army air core and loaded bombers with muntion . We still have my grandmother she is 92 they truly are the greatest generation that lived.
Love the story and love the family not many people are that blessed to have their loved ones for so long, God bless each one and R.I.P. to those who have passed since this video !!!! ❤
My grandpa was in the 3rd Armored Division also known as a Spearhead during WWII He spoke little about the war. He was my hero and I miss him dearly. I’m so grateful that I had the opportunity to take care of him during his final years.
Thank you for taking care of your grandpa. 3rd Armor were tuff guys. Glad you had time with him. And glad you were with him until he rejoined his outfit!
The young man is a National Treasure. God bless you and the family that you got time to spend with your dad at that age that just as you said is priceless.
The knowledge that he has is worth more than all the gold in the world. I really love talking and extracting knowledge from the old Timers. My Grandpa was A wwII veteran I never had a chance to meet him, thank you so much for sharing.
Sir, thank you for your service!! What an absolutely fantastic story. What an absolutely fantastic story. I am so grateful he got to drive that car. Thank you to his son who got that car running. What a legacy he is. I just want to hug your father. What a man! Here's hoping he makes it to 105. 💜💜💜
I cant believe how much this is meaning to me just to see this, in these days and times this is solid gold to see this son do this for a WWll veteran, my father was also a WWll veteran and i miss my old pop like you wouldn't believe, this man came from the greatest generation this country has ever seen or i believe ever will the way things are going downhill now, God bless you all for putting this on here and lord i hope this Veteran gets his wish for many more years and God bless his son for caring about his pop, you can see what kind of a man he was by how his family is, this is a beautiful thing to watch.
I love this so much. Exactly what I wish I could have gotten the opportunity to do with my Grandpa and his ‘59 Mercedes SL before he passed. Wanted to get that last ride with him, but never got that chance. The fact you have this on camera and have a full video of him talking, and laughing, and enjoying himself is extremely special, and I’m so glad y’all were able to create this memory with every generation in the family 🙏🏼 truly a beautiful thing
I've watched this a few times and it still bring tears to my eyes. My dad went in on Omaha beach,D-Day, my mom was Womens' Army Air Corps, and My Father Inlaw was on a B-24 over Dresden. My sister, Pamela Herd, took wonderful care of my mom and dad until they'd passed. They just don't make families like this anymore! God bless you for this heartwarming video. Wonderful Job on the Caddy. What a love for his Poppa. There's a special place for familes like yours.
I remember that 99th birthday video and am glad to have seen Walt at 102 still at it. I hope to see him drive another one at 105 since he said that is when he will stop driving.
This is why RUclips should exist not for all the garbage but for all the greatness. Mr heasley you know already know you should be a national treasure. As should this man and his family
I respect him so much, not just for his WW II service, but for his patience. He went through the Great Depression and worked in CCC camps during the 1930s when he was a teenager in order to earn money to help support his parent's big family, and then WW II in the South Pacific. He was a car enthusiast and could fix all those army vehicles and keep them running. He was very important to the 81st Fighting Wildcats. He told me about one time when nobody could start the Diamond T trucks and he spoke up and told the commanding officer he knew how and showed everybody.
@@thewriter2549 Thanks so much for the video, and this added story; I enjoyed this immensely.
@@thewriter2549 these are the stories you'll never hear. My grandmother was born in 1940 and I still tell her all the time they were the last great generation of true strong bloodlines my grandfather's hands were like baseball mitts and my grandmother could fix anything. My grandmother here in Pittsburgh had 14 brothers and sisters and they all fought in different wars all the boys. There's actually a pretty good article about it here in Pittsburgh. Not just about the cars but the people in these stories I mean these are epic these are legends these are the things we should be learning about. I think you should add that to the story because it just makes this man that much more relatable and a hero. Time goes so fast andSome of the stories you'll never hear or know but have changed and made freedom what it was now things are getting different cuz there's not a lot of strong people left like that but I love watching these videos and you're a great man so keep up the good work.
National treasures should at least have their last names capitalized (Heasley;)...
God bless this NATIONAL TREASURE this is a man who is one tough cookie!
R.I.P. dear Mr. West (May 17th, 1920 - Feb 9th, 2023). You were a real treasure! Thank you for your service. What a beautiful story this was! Made me cry. Thank you.
🥺🙏❤❤
It's scary I read this on the 9th of Feb. Rip to the sweet old man 😢
May he rest in peace.
Rest in peace. Thank you for serving the country and saving many lives I know you can see this message from heaven. You really were a brave soul to serve our country. My grandpa was also a soldier in WW2.
God rest his soul may he be in the kingdom of heaven. He's probably driving those same cars in heaven like how he did here on earth and though you don't have to eat in heaven he can eat what ever he wants and drink whatever he wants without getting sick because in heaven there's no such thing as pain, sorrow, or illness. God bless him and his entire family. ❤
This mans mind is a steel trap layered in titanium. I cant remember 2 weeks ago, cant imagine 80 years. What an absolute legend
SWEAR!! I need to stop smoking and drinking cause last week is a blur yet I'm feeling envy seeing him remember the "glory days" even tho it was in a terrible time period.
With what he went through im sure you never forget that
Prevent yourself from developing dementia before it's too late.
Just imagine the stories he has to tell
You don't get deployed and start knocking doors for 6 months and forget, so there's no way in hell this guy forgot any of it.
If you need help understanding him, turn on subtitles.
This man is a national treasure, not just for serving, but for living and still able to remember it all.
Thanks for the suggestion. I didn't realize viewers had to turn on subtitles.
i'm germand and i understand him perfect
@@xxBladegamerxx there were a few moments that I couldn’t fully understand him, but for the most part it was pretty coherent.
Maravilloso
it's unreal that we live in a world where we praise people to go out and kill people that they've never meet and to just keep wars and corruption going on around the world......
Being a young man myself, 22 years old, I’m really realizing there are very few WW2 veterans left. This was an amazing video, I enjoyed every bit of it.
Also dwindling are the Korean and Vietnam Vets.
@@eldiablo7862 my grandpa is a vietnam vet and he's in his 80s, he loves his boats
I enjoyed this video also and your right very few left,my grandfather passed not too long ago 100 years old,tough old bastard still had his mind also ,ww2 combat medic
he is an inspiration, my heart goes to that family and will for years. that car i thought bout finding my dads fathers car the 55-57 chevy that was brought to our house to be built. i have been looking for one to surprise my dad as the oldmobile my grandparents along with the pontaic i miss those days. cars are not worth my $$$$$
They will all be dead by the time you are 35. Just tic toc.
"Don't go to far away we might have to walk back" I absolutely love that, that's a man with some life experience right there. Thank you for your service sir.
You know, I did too. He said it softly, so I didn't know if anybody else noticed that.
Foi aos 21:50 min.! Vou se recordar dessa frase por toda minha vida!
@@marioclovis8754 Muchas gracias porque siento lo mismo por Walt West.
@@thewriter2549 spanish?
@@TOBY-jy7bzhe probably confused portuguese for spanish, they're pretty close.
102 and still able to tell you every detail from 80 years ago. Insane
What a great representation of an American family. All the generations of good people. Thanks for the reminder of how we should treat our veterans and older family members.
Minus the Mexican kid, yeah
american family 💀
yeah defenitely a peacefull family
After fighting in a war, no pension or a ticket back home.. nooo!
@@AL-31racism has no place in America.
This guy was born in 1920 and he's still living at home and mentally with it. A great, great granddaughter, old chap has lived a good long life and has a wonderful family
This guy's memory is there . Great to hear him talk . Hope he makes it another 💯 we salute you sir
The ultimate way to spend your last years in this earth❤️🙌🏻
If this guy wad born I 20. In 56 I would of been 36
"im your great grandpa"
"mm great great"
"yeah thats right a cadillac"
22:20
a very lucky man with a very good family
Clicked for the car, stayed for the heartwarming story of a hero! I Hope your Father Is doing well!
I checked for the title "WW2 Veteran's Reaction To Son Fixing His 1946 Cadillac To Drive" and stayed to watch the same^
Same! Great video!
@@RustBeltRailfanHe lived a long, good life. Sad to see him gone
He is a living miracle. That old with his sight, hearing and memory still intact.
My grandpa was like him, 4 of my uncles died, he told me that it wasn't logic that he was burying his kids, at 104 he refused to eat or drink water or be attended by a nurse, my grandpa on my mothers side, was diagnosed with cancer at 81, and he was given 6 months, he was treating himself with cannabis, something I learned later, he died at 95....
my family had many that lived into their 90s and beside normal wear and tear, some diminished hearing and vision , they were all there..they ate nothing but garden grown produce and farm raised meats, my friends and siblings who ate store bought franken food all look like theyre 90 , at 60... food for thought
Yeah boy
"Yeah Boy!"
Amen brother 🙏
As someone who had lost both my parents by the age of 26 and the fact that I never knew or had any grandparents at all, let me say that these people are the epitome of a family that everyone wishes they had. Y’all are beautiful and blessed beyond measure; thanks for sharing your joyousness🥰
I’m sorry you went through that. I grew up in the 90’s and had a big family, it made me who I am… then in a span of 10 years everyone died, divorced or disowned. Now I’m all that’s left… so my two little boys (4 month old and a 2 year old) have nobody. I not only feel terrible for them, but extremely guilty that I had what they cannot. You’re so very right about the people in this video… they are lucky to have each other.
I lost my father at 16 and all my grandparents by the same age as you but I still have my mother. I always wanted to have 4-5 generations at once but we never managed more than 3. Currently only at 2 because of my mom. It is a blessing many people will never know.
I am very sorry for your loss
I am very sorry for your loss I can’t even imagine
I lost all 4 of my grandparents by the age of 12, I feel ur pain😢
You all are so lucky to have him. My dad passed away at age 59. He has been dead for 52 years. He was an FBI agent in New York City during World War II doing surveillance on spies. After he left the FBI he opened his own law practice. I wish I could tell him how much I love him.
Your father sounds awesome!
I am sure he knew that, he sounds like a good dad, & you sound like a good son...blessings to you both...
Paul, now that I know a bit more on how the universe and people that passed away go on, I know that your father KNOWS that you love him. He is more with you than you realise!
I hope he didnt catch any nazi bros out there
You can they maybe gone but they never leave you. I've been blessed to witness things I cannot explain. Such as talking and looking away for a second from and the person (lack of words) they were gone. I'm not a bible thumper but there are things of this world that cannot be explained by science.
He’s so clear in his memory.
God bless him 🇺🇸
which god ?
@@HemiChrysler 🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡
There is no god xD He propably have good gens to live long
@@HemiChrysler go on somewhere it doesn’t always have to be negativity just act like a mature adult not like a little ass kid. People have their own opinion on how they look at things most people think god is real while other people don’t think he is real because if you said that crap to someone in real life hell I don’t even think you would because your too wussy to do that because of the fact that you know very well that will get you killed so just quit
@@HemiChrysler there's only one God. The most High Jesus Christ. If you want to get more technical you have the Trinity, the Father, the Son & the Holy Spirit making up the Co-Eternal Godhead.
Everyone like and share this one !
Huge Thank you to Walt Truely Priceless
Quite a memory, unbelievable, Thank You for gallant Service,.
You all are a national treasure, and a blessing to Mr. Walt West , who is a living legend.
God Bless you all.
I totally agree, almost nobody gets the opportunity to do this with their great great grandparent
Trump2024
The bit about him never talking about the war reminds me so much of my grandfather. He served in Korea and never talked about the war. He wasn't appreciative when someone would ask, either. He took his stories to the grave. Years after his death, my aunt gets a call from one of his service buddies. He knew his time was running short and wanted to make sure our family knew about what my grandpa did in the war. He was in the thick of it. Brutal hand-to-hand fighting in awful conditions. He was a real warrior. These old timers have been through things most of us could never imagine.
It's hard to believe but my grand grandfather do the same, his service was on East front in ww2. To all questions about a war he usually answered like "everybody shoot, and so I am ", and about what was he doing - "I was a cook and fed our soldiers", as it later became clear from his found documents, he served in field intelligence...
My Grandfather was like that too; served in Korea but never talked about it, though from the very little I heard I don't think he saw too much combat luckily.
My Dad wasn't old enough for the older wars, but he served in the early 80's. He never talked about his service though even though he wasn't in combat either.
Please, what’s your grandfathers name? Please
102 years old and would never talk about it just shows how traumatic war is. This is a wonderful story. And I can't imagine living long enough to know my great-great grand children. I was born in 1951, all my great great grandparents died in the late 19th or early 20th century.
It scares me as apart of the new generation we might be facing the same thing if not worse. WWIII has never been more than a joke to me but now it’s abundantly clear our leaders are failing us more than ever.
Maybe you'll be the family member who gets to live long enough to see their great,great grandchildren? My grandmother lived to be 99 years old but, on dec 13 2013 she sat down in a living room chair and painlessly passed away. I miss her very much. But for 65 years she took care of herself by riding a stationary bicycle 5 miles a day, 7 days a week, she ate right and got plenty of rest too. That's my hope for you. Plz stay well
I was a social worker with the VA - and our WWII Veterans are the BEST people I’ve ever had the privilege to know. My own Grandpa - Richard Galloway - served in the S. Pacific. It’s so nice to see this gentleman enjoying life with his wonderful family.
Absolutely, it is same here, thanks and we salute Richard Galloway
Lost my WW2 veteran Dad in 2005 and still miss him every day.
❤️🙏 I was very lucky mine came home. His brother John, didn't. They named my Uncle after him. So sorry for your loss.
I hope he had a great life.. America's greatest generation...There will never be another....
So Did I,, November,,,,2005 He was 93,,,,
"I plan on driving till 105 at least" What a true badass. RIP Mr. West. True American hero. Thanks for sharing.
I am a Vietnam vet. And watching this video and to see this 102 yr old Vet, helped me with PTSD. And thinking all he went through and watching him drive his 46 caddy after all years. Gave me a happy heart. God Bless you my brother in arms and all your wonderful Family.
we will read your comment directly to Walt, we are already in the process of another video where we do this, maybe send me an email - jerryheasley@gmail.com
Thank you James for your service!!!
James, Thank you for you sacrifice for our freedom. And welcome home, you are loved❤️
Thanks so much for your support, I appreciate it so much. You are my Hero. God Bless you and your family and hope y’all have a wonderful blessed Christmas and New Year. With much Christian love ❤️, Jim
Jesus Christ can remove your PTSD. Do you believe it?
Thank you for your service James Stanley. Also, I want to let you know that Jesus loves you. Jesus is greater than the PTSD you may be facing. God promises in His word, the Bible that God gives us a Sound Mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 NJKV says “7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” So, in the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, I pray that you receive a sound mind, and that you will see the deliverance of God in your life. Every spirit of insanity, lunatic and PTSD must leave in the Name of Jesus Christ! Amen.✝️❤️🕊
Get to know Jesus, because He is the only Way to Heaven. There is NO other way to Heaven except through the Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible says in Romans 10:9-11 NLT “9 If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. 11 As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.”” Jesus doesn’t promise that you won’t have trouble in life, but He promises to be with you all the way through and to bring your soul to Heaven when you die. Remember even the Devil believes in Jesus, but he isn’t going to Heaven. You got to truly repent and turn from your ways and accept God’s free gift. It’s not by works that you can go to Heaven so that no one can boast in their own goodness. God bless you all!✝️🕊❤️
My dad was a World War II veteran I love these stories
I feel like we should learn as much from them as we can while we can.
My dad was in wwll, and I just now have found info on what all he did . I did hear he also hitchhike across the US, from California, to Missouri.
Loved this story of him and what you all did to get his car drivable again!
The wife's father was too.
Seeing stuff like this makes me wish I listened to him more ,even though Id listen to every war story like it's the gospel.
He would get a kick out of this vid so much ,I'd probably have to go find the car he starts talking about from his day so he could take it for a drive.
My grandad was a WW2 veteran too never got meet him sadly but I know he was a captain and fought in Greece till he was captured by the germans
Respect to your father.
That’s a blessing right there.
I’m Mexican. My dad retired left to Mexico to live his retirement but he left me his 93 custom Silverado. Which I’m working to restore the way it was when I was growing up. Going to do my best to conserve it so when I have kids they can ride my dad truck.
He had two late 80 trucks beautiful trucks when I was kid but sold them to bring us to the USA.
That's a great gift he gave you. It's a cliche but it's true that they don't make trucks like them anymore. I have a 94 flatbed with the 454, and it puts in WORK to this day. They're bulletproof (well except the door handles lol)...
Oh my god… my life is going that way precisely to! My mom and dad are gonna live at Mexico for the rest of their life. I want to retrieve his1994 Chevrolet d10 he sold, which he used to work when migrated to usa to give us a better life. I want to build it precisely how he had it and gift it to him.
My dad was a WWII Army medic, enlisted underage, left high school, spent three years, bronze star awarded. When this man said he never talked about the war, those are the same words I have said about my dad. Mine passed at only 59 years old, almost 40 years ago. You're so blessed to have yours with you to this ripe age. Thanks for sharing!
🇺🇲🇺🇸
my uncles all served in the war and never talked about it until I was in my 20's. I was born in 1952. my brother in law's dad served as well, they know he served because he suffered from post trauma throughout his life but when he died they got a hold of a diary he kept from his experience and made copies for very child and one story was when he return home. he served in the Pacific and they shipped him to CA and than he and some friends who home was in the hills and coast of MA were left to get home. it was Christmas and buses has stopped so they walked around town and a family of Jewish people saw them in their uniforms and picked them up and asked what they were doing. they took these men home with them and got a Christmas tree with presents for them and celebrated the night and day with them until they could get a bus home. the dairy was a eye opening for the children about their dad.
Hey man bless you man I know what it's like to lose someone so young I know he is with you everytime I touch or use my dads tools I feel him with me Australia
@@garydixon9742 Yes, I suppose there are millions like us. We're fortunate to have known our dads, learned what we would from them.
My Dad was 16 when my grand ma signed for him to join the army during WW2, he never spoke about it either and he also died at 59 years old.. I'd give anything to be able to talk to him about anything...Everyone is so busy and then their gone and you can only wish.. Same with my brother, he did 2 tours in Vietnam , didn't want to talk about it and he passed last summer, at 72...
What an awesome memory for the world you just shared ❤️ my pop was a pilot in WW II and it's a privilege to hear the stories. It's amazing you never hear these heros complain. Thank you again that was priceless 🇺🇸
Oh wow, a pilot.
Awesome made my day
No you don't hear them complain and they don't think they were heroes, in their view they were just doing their jobs so they could get back home to the greatest nation in the world, it always has been and always will be, no body deserves credit for that then fine men like Walt hear, yeah boy 👍
You're Dad sure did a good job driving. He was so alert, looking around and was so focused. Impressive ole guy.
This brings a big smile to my face. My grandpa was a WWII vet. He passed away when I was born. I just loved seeing the bond this family has. Thank you for your service. Enjoy the rides with your dad, grandpa, great grandpa, great great grandpa. Each day is a blessing.
Its so gratifying seeing a family looking after their senior members rather than just throwing them in an Old Peoples' home. A lovely story. A fine gentleman.
Absolutely, so true.
Agree 1000%
I am Filipino born in Philippines in 1976. My family migrated to Guam in the 80s. After my schooling I joined the army and was with the 82nd airborne division and 173rd Airborne Combat Team. I have served in multiple combat zones but nothing like the ones this man and his comrades have made. Thank You for your service and sacrifice and my deepest gratitude for those who made the ultimate sacrifice for a country that wasn't their own. He is a lucky man to have a wonderful family.
Lovely words
Do you remember the uss corregidor?
80 Deuce all the way.
Thank you for your service.🍻
Thank you too sir for your service
Total respect. What a wonderful story. This man served in WW 2, and has had the courage to live over 100 years in this tough world we live in. If I was ever given the opportunity to sit and talk with this man, it would be an honor, truly.
FOR a 102-year-old he has a great recall memory even better than those of us in our 70's LOL!!! This dear soul is PRICELESS and enjoying life as he sees it is amazing. So Be It!!!
"That experience...is just priceless" sums it up pretty well. What an amazing way to celebrate a 102-year birthday with someone like this. I vicariously enjoyed every moment of this. I started watching for the car and ended up enjoying the life story moment more.
This story is great on so many levels. The man is a national treasure! Thanks for sharing it Jerry.
Thank you, I get along well with car people and then got interested in WW2. There's just something special about people that work on cars and like cars. You know what I mean?
This man is a national treasure. Thank you for your service sir.
I wanted to cry .My dad had a 48 Chevy and we were too young to appreciate it.I love this family .God bless you all,especially the great grandfather .God bless .Vetri South Africa 🙏🇿🇦🙏
🙏🇿🇦🇿🇦🙏
This man's recollection is amazing at 102! My father was a WWII vet who served in the Philipines after waiting to get taken in ( the armed forces took the younger guys first and guys with specific skills needed as they could only train, cloth , feed so many people at a time). ALL my uncles and my wifes' uncles were WW II vets. And growing up all my friends fathers were WW2 vets. What was interesting was, I recall as a kid, each man - never really talked about the war and what they did , and if they did it was very general , like "Oh, I was in the Navy, " or "I was in the Pacific", not much more than that. What they saw and experienced most of us cant imagine. Truly THE GREATEST Generation, the likes of which we are truly gifted to have known. Sadly so few are still with us.
Every generation after the WWI & WWII Vets is standing and thriving because of them. This country is for ever in debt to those Veterans. My God, are they owed respect and gratitude. Cheers!
I am happy, for only one reason, that all the vets of WWII have passed on in my family. That none have had to suffer the indignity of seeing a tribal, racially hatful, generations of weak men that have grown as a result of the good times they secured for us. Strong men create good times. Good times great weak men and weak men create bad times. The unintended consequences of prosperity on the human animal.
They were NOT the "Greatest Generation". Like any generation, they had strengths, and they had flaws. The American WW2 Generation was a HIGHLY RACIST generation, where Black people could not even drink from the same water fountains, could not eat in the same restaurants, could not attend the same schools, could not swim in public swimming pools etc. The WW2 generation threw Japanese-AMERICANS into internment camps, and despite the fact that Japanese-AMERICAN soldiers were the most highly decorated unit in U.S. military history, the Japanese-AMERICANS still faced huge amounts of racism when they returned to the United States. The American WW2 generation believed that white people were the superior race, and they looked down upon and discriminated against non-whites and women. Those are facts.
@Allosaurus 67 Nope, I disagree. Here's another fact. The WW2 generation had very low divorce rates. You'd think that's a good thing, right? Well it wasn't. They had low divorce rates because women, didn't have the skills nor education to leave men who were physically and emotionally abusing them. They did not have the skills nor education to get good jobs to support themselves, so they were forced to stay in these marriages. Many men would beat the living daylights out of their wives, yet these women stayed with them because women's rights were, basically, non-existent. I could go on and on and on. But the bottom line is this:
Every generation has its flaws. Every generation has good things and bad things. Every generation thinks theirs is better than the one that comes after them. Every generation blames the one before.
@@user-sg8kq7ii3y yes they are better than our shitty generation, people nowadays, are stuck on tik tok and other bs, tell me how this generation is so much better, than the past generations, I’m waiting. This generation is a complete disaster. Most people in this generation are stupid, cannot form coherent sentences, I can go on. So please explain to me how this generation is so much better than past generations… Nowadays you have lots of women disrespecting men for no reason, thinking they are better, they are independent, they don’t need a man. They want men that are already secured, have a certain financial standing. They don’t even bat an eye on a lot of men trying to get their stuff together, instead those guys are getting made fun of. Looking at this, this is quiet bleak. Obviously, not every women is like that, but a lot of these women and girls from this generation are way too invested in instagram or other stupid social medias, so again tell me how this generation is so good!
What a fantastic family..!! Walt, thank you for your service.. freedom isn't free.. To the Son, thank you for taking the time to fix your Dad's Caddy.. excellent work. To the remainder of the Family, cherish this moment. To the content creator, the best video I've seen in years. Perfect balance of history, still photos and video. Pat yourself on the back.
Thanks, this was 8 weeks of editing after filming on and off over a 2 year span.
You don’t know the definition of “free” is then
@@fdd7002 I'm all ears.. tell me what free is..
Beautiful people. This is the kind we need in this world. Loving and caring. With a huge respect for the older generation.
My God, where do you begin. This veteran deserves so many thank-yous for his WWII service! So interesting to hear his stories about WWII and survival. His total recall at 102! Amazing! His love for that 1946 Cadillac. Truly wonderful that his son got to drive with his dad at 102 years of age. Tears in my eyes as I write.
I remember last year when they got his old Ford running for him great to see you guys doing these kinds of things.
Hard to believe, but we got his 1955 Ford (that he bought new) running for his 99th birthday, which was 3 years ago! Man, time flies. We wanted to get the '46 Cadillac going for the 100th, but as you can see in the video, man that old car needed a whole lot more than expected.
@@thewriter2549 You guys are an amazing family.
I enjoyed my almost half hour with this video. Thank you for sharing and thank the gentleman for his service rescuing my country the Philippines 🇵🇭 from the Japanese. Thank you.
It is so nice to hear from people in the Philippines. Thank you for your kind words.
@@thewriter2549 that's real history for you Sir. Is the service gentleman your dad or grandpa? I am proud of him for what he did as a soldier and happy you did something for him that makes him happy and smile afterwards.
thank u grandpa for helping my country Philippines.God bless u and your family❤️😘
This is whats its all about FAMILY.thanku sir for ur service as WWII hero for protecting all of us and our FREEDOM .all of our past and present are heros . and that JOY of happiness on your FACE while driving priceless . this is what a family should be . 🇺🇸 GOD BLESS U AND YOUR FAMILY🇺🇸
Would love to shake that mans hand and hear some words of wisdom and experience. I can listen to these old timers all day. Makes me miss grandpops alot, both of them. Bless him and his health.
My Dad was at normandy Beach a story he told me will forever be with me. I wish we would’ve had more time together but I went into the Army at 17 in 1970, last thing he ever said to me was how proud he was of me. This is a great story of a great man so happy he got to ride and drive his Cadillac again.
My Dad went in on Normandy Beach,Omaha, first wave. He came out broken but....met the love
of his life and she healed him. Thank you for your service!
My Dad was in the hospital in physical therapy for knee surgery for Normandy and caught up with his unit D5. He passed in 2014. An entire generation of heroes.
Funny thing
I was just wondering how Walt was and here he is!
Thank you for your service Walt
🇺🇸
Ask about him anytime, thanks.
This family is awesome. Mr. West is a national treasure.
This old man is a treasure; he got to see his great-great-grandkids grow, and his mind is still in great shape; such a heart warming video.
Bless his soul. One of the few American hero’s left from WWII. It’s an absolutely amazing honor to get some insight into this mans life. His sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Walt’s story is nothing short of incredible. And to be able to recount it fluently at 102… just amazing.
I just want to say how grateful I am that you put this tribute to your daddy together for us to view.
I never had grandparents but I’ve always loved to be around older people for as far back as I can remember and to see this and all your family together and smiling and riding in that car made me shed tears of joy.
God has surely blessed you all!
Seeing his smile when he saw his Cadillac driving once again was so nice it’s moments like those that makes me tear up especially since I also have a great grandma and grandpa ❤
It’s great you could get the 46 Cadillac going. What a way to celebrate his service. Thank you for your Service! 🇺🇸
Can you imagine that feeling when that man turned over that crank and it hit and fired up I actually have a tear in my eye thinking about it.
This brings back SOME great memories of what I wanted to do for my parents as we all advanced in age (I'm 71 next month). In 10 days time my Dad would have been 100 years of age, sadly he passed away in 2004, 14+ years after we lost my Mum in 1989. I won't drag this out except to say I WISH TO CHRIST I'D BEEN A BETTER SON FOR BOTH OF THEM! I would have LOVED to buy them their favourite car each, sadly they're both gone now and there's nothing I can do about it.
For whatever it's worth from me, THANKYOU for sharing this absolutely beautiful story and I hope your Dad lives to his desired age and more! Take care and all the very best.
Just you wishing for gifts if you could afford them makes me feel that you were a better son than you think. God bless you and don't be so hard on yourself!
you sound like a good man.
Live life well, best way to honour them, now. Take care.
What a nice family. Mr. Walt West is such a positive person who can still laugh so beautifully at the age of 102 years. God bless you all!
Every now and again you strike gold on RUclips and THIS is one of them - 26:22 of pure viewing pleasure !. An absolutely lovely old-man with his equally lovely family - AND with a story to tell !. Hopefully there's more of the 'Living History' as Walt is still very sharp !
My Dad was a WW2 vet. He passed in "05". I absolutely adore seeing your Dad enjoy driving that car. Makes me think of my own father. Cherish every day. You folks are truly blessed.
My grandpa is a 96 year old WWII vet from the Pacific Navy USS South Dakota and he has had 2 strokes and came back from them like a champ but is told not to drive anymore.Gave his Buick to my dad and is still going strong
I wish I could meet a World War Two veteran. Please thanks him for his service! Forever will I be grateful for these heroes! God bless your grandpa!
What a great video and even better back story. Gotta love this guy and his whole family. Thank you for your service Walt. Because freedom isn't free. But thanks to brave men and women like you, we get to live in a free country. And for that, I can't thank you enough. Yeah boy!
You're so right. Without our military we're nothing.
what a lucky man to live such a long life around such loving family members.
Ya Boy! That was remarkable, enjoyed watching him drive the Caddy again!
More to come!
My dad also served in the Pacific under General McArthur in WWII. USAF First Lt. and pilot of a Douglas C-47 hauling our brave US Marines around to parachute into battle. I miss him so.
Wow, big responsibility with that job.
yes my dad also a tech sergeant was in the 'battle of the bulge' in the 'other theater' he had a few stories but didn't talk about it too much.
You should be be very proud, my dad flew C-47 out of Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn... the stories will last me forever.
Congratulations!! My father was with him in the service.. he passed away 38 years ago. It was really nice what all of you had done !😊
Son of the year right here giving his old man the ability to drive his car once more
How beautiful your father's laugh, how beautiful it was to make him live his days of glory, how beautiful the respect they have for their war veterans and the pride that it gives them, but there is nothing nicer than doing a 102-year-old father again. years old, as if I were only 35, even if it was for a few meters in your car, I congratulate you and thank you, for reminding me of what I no longer have physically, which is the love of a father for a son and of a son for a father, thanks again from Argentina.
The old gentleman is a national treasure. Thank you so much for going to the trouble of getting that vintage Cadillac running so he could drive it once more. I hope he's around long enough to take many more rides in it.
My own father (b. 1920) served during WWII, in the China-Burma-India theatre -- a theatre you don't hear too much about. My Dad, his blessed memory, would come out to the guest room off the garage where I'd stay when I was home, and yarn to me of an evening about his time in the service. Being a veteran myself, I just loved hearing his yarns.
such a beautiful family, I'm 44 and I've already lost all of my grandparents, last one on my mom's side passed years ago now, I lost my mom just over 3 years ago. I never got the time to really bond with my grandparents, and don't even remember my great grandparents on either side of the family. Those who have all of their family alive and around, treasure it, don't take anyone for granted, because one day, they'll be gone.
You are right, so right.
This man is a National Treasure !!! Thank you Walt for your service and sacrifice for our country. We are forever grateful to you and others like you.
This made my heart so happy to watch
I wanted you all to know I'm gonna read a bunch of these comments to Walt. And he will be delighted.
This Man is what i call Man of Honor. His memory and his loyalty to his country and is beyond priceless. Let alone his love for his Cadillac!! That his Son restored for his Pops to drive is beyond Priceless. God bless these people.
I'm from the UK and I have the up most respect for what has been done here and the look on his face priceless made me smile from start to finish
That grin on his great grandson was perfect, thank you for your service dear Walt!
Always think its crazy to see 5 generations all together and moving around. Thanks for sharing Jerry! May your family stay blessed
My grand dad would be 102 this year . He grew up in Sunset Tx and was drafted in 42 he served in the army air core and loaded bombers with muntion . We still have my grandmother she is 92 they truly are the greatest generation that lived.
Pure gold, look at this memory and emotion. God bless you all.
This guy is a natural treasure and deserves it, every second of it. God bless you and everyone.
How nice it was for my grandfather and the fact that relatives show so much care for him and his car.😌
You brought tears to my eyes, God bless you son.
Love the story and love the family not many people are that blessed to have their loved ones for so long, God bless each one and R.I.P. to those who have passed since this video !!!! ❤
My grandpa was in the 3rd Armored Division also known as a Spearhead during WWII He spoke little about the war. He was my hero and I miss him dearly. I’m so grateful that I had the opportunity to take care of him during his final years.
Thank you for taking care of your grandpa. 3rd Armor were tuff guys.
Glad you had time with him. And glad
you were with him until he rejoined his
outfit!
Respect for this man! He made a real Hero’s day
The love and pride that this son and family have for their now Great Great Grandfather cannot be put into words.
Great video! Miss the stories from my grandpas and my ex's grandpas.
What a blessing to have the opportunity to see and hear his life experiences. Lord bless him.
Bless your heart for doing this for your father a great hero to this nation. Thank you.
Thanks for sharing Walt's story with us. You transformed your family history into a wonderful story for everyone to appreciate.
God bless him,your family and the United States of America..thank you.👍✌
The young man is a National Treasure. God bless you and the family that you got time to spend with your dad at that age that just as you said is priceless.
The knowledge that he has is worth more than all the gold in the world. I really love talking and extracting knowledge from the old Timers. My Grandpa was A wwII veteran I never had a chance to meet him, thank you so much for sharing.
I don't like anybody, but I like the old veterans, I learned alot from them.
Sir, thank you for your service!! What an absolutely fantastic story. What an absolutely fantastic story. I am so grateful he got to drive that car. Thank you to his son who got that car running. What a legacy he is. I just want to hug your father. What a man! Here's hoping he makes it to 105. 💜💜💜
This was a pleasure to watch. This man is a damn legend.
I could listen to this man talk all day. I love stories about things long ago, but especially straight from the source! Thank you very much.
I cant believe how much this is meaning to me just to see this, in these days and times this is solid gold to see this son do this for a WWll veteran, my father was also a WWll veteran and i miss my old pop like you wouldn't believe, this man came from the greatest generation this country has ever seen or i believe ever will the way things are going downhill now, God bless you all for putting this on here and lord i hope this Veteran gets his wish for many more years and God bless his son for caring about his pop, you can see what kind of a man he was by how his family is, this is a beautiful thing to watch.
This is so moving, brought tears to my eyes. A great family
We are slowly losing the real legends in this world I could sit for hours and just listen to their stories love all the old vets
I love this so much. Exactly what I wish I could have gotten the opportunity to do with my Grandpa and his ‘59 Mercedes SL before he passed. Wanted to get that last ride with him, but never got that chance. The fact you have this on camera and have a full video of him talking, and laughing, and enjoying himself is extremely special, and I’m so glad y’all were able to create this memory with every generation in the family 🙏🏼 truly a beautiful thing
I've watched this a few times and it still bring tears to my eyes. My dad went in on Omaha beach,D-Day, my mom was Womens' Army Air Corps, and My Father Inlaw was on a B-24 over Dresden. My sister, Pamela Herd, took
wonderful care of my mom and dad until they'd passed. They just don't make families like this anymore! God bless
you for this heartwarming video. Wonderful Job on the Caddy. What a love for his Poppa. There's a special place
for familes like yours.
What a blessing for him! He's got a very good memory as well! Thank you for your service!!
That is freaking cute and soulful !
I remember that 99th birthday video and am glad to have seen Walt at 102 still at it. I hope to see him drive another one at 105 since he said that is when he will stop driving.