PEWAUKEE, Wis. — Over 600 birthday cards were recently sent a Wisconsin World War II veteran who just turned 103 years old.

The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs and Wisconsin Veterans Museum coordinated the mass outpouring of birthday wishes for Lt. Colonel Harry Baker. The cards came from all over the country, including 15 classrooms of kids in four different states. One of the birthday notes came from as far away as the Netherlands.

The cards arrived before family, friends and staff at Harry’s senior living facility where they hosted a birthday party for him.

Harry was born in Madison more than a century ago, but he still loves a good party.

At 103 years old, he is still sharp as a tack, and always willing to share what he’s learned along the way.

“Live as well as you can now, because you don’t know how long it will last,” Baker said. Harry is thankful for every birthday. He said there was a time he never thought he’d make it this far. 

“I didn’t think I would live to see 24 during the war,” he said. “It was that brutal.”.

Harry survived World War II and served nearly 25 years of active duty with the U.S. Army and the Army Reserve. 

He said it was his love for his late wife Patricia, who lived until she was 99 years old, that defined his life.

(Photo Courtesy: Baker Family)

Harry’s children know how fortunate they are to still have their dad here with them.

“Many people my age lost their parents in their 70s,” said Scott Baker, Harry’s son. “I’m now 77, and I’m quite proud that he is still here.”

Harry said of all the things he’s accomplished in 103 years, he’s most proud to be their dad. 

“They are the link to everything, from my past to their present,” Harry said. “They are wonderful.”

And because he knows more time is never guaranteed, Harry does not take this birthday, or the love surrounding him for granted.