Out of the 16 million American veterans who served during World War II, it was estimated there were only about 119,000 still alive as of 2023, with the youngest being in their early 90s. That number continues to rapidly decline, marking the end of the Greatest Generation and the loss of some of the bravest humans to have ever walked the planet.
Which makes moments like this one all the better.
Cell phone footage caught the moment a 100-year-old WWII veteran who survived the famous battle of Iwo Jima was honored aboard a flight.
Pilot does a shoutout for a 100-year-old vet who fought at Iwo Jima
— Rob (@_ROB_29) April 5, 2025
“We don’t have royalty in the United States, but we have something pretty close, and he’s sitting in row 1." pic.twitter.com/LtrHIs31L4
“We don’t have royalty in the United States, but we have something pretty close, and he’s sitting in row 1," the pilot announced over the plane's intercom just before takeoff.
"Gordy is 100 years old. He landed on Iwo Jima on his 20th birthday," the pilot continued, as the plane broke out into applause and Gordy lifted his veteran's hat in salute.
"I know I've had some big birthday parties but not quite as dramatic as that...if it wasn't for him, we wouldn't be here," the pilot added.
The Battle of Iwo Jima, which took place over 36 days and ended on March 26, 1945, remains one of the bloodiest in U.S. Marine Corps history. While the Allies ultimately emerged victorious, nearly 7,000 Marines died, and around 20,000 more were wounded during the fighting.
For his part, Gordy took the accolades in stride, looking like any other passenger just trying to make his way to wherever he was going.
We owe Gordy and his fellow World War II veterans so much more than a shout-out on an airplane. But hopefully what heartfelt thanks we can offer will be enough.