TYLER, Texas — Last week, an East Texas World War II veteran and prisoner of war shared his request for 100 birthday cards for his 100th birthday.
On Wednesday, Archie Thomas turned 100!
Preparations were well underway ahead of a very special centennial birthday. And of course, you can’t have a birthday without cake and birthday card -- over 1,000 to be exact.
And when Thomas walked into the room, the celebration started. He received cards from every corner of the country and they’re still rolling in.
"I wasn’t expecting any," Thomas said.
And he also wasn’t expecting a visit from a couple of special guests. Texas state Sen. Bryan Hughes and Texas Rep. Cole Hefner came by with some sentimental gifts.
Thomas's nurse Tiffany Deschler has been caring for him for nearly three years.
"He’s always layback, always has a good time, [and a] happy smiling face. He’s never upset about anything and that’s the good thing about him," Deschler said.
As for those birthday cards, Thomas said, "I’m sure I won't be able to read them all tonight."
As he marks his 100th birthday, Thomas is still young at heart, cracking jokes and singing songs.