MILTON, Wis. — In a heartwarming tale of resilience and zest for life, 99-year-old retired service member, Dr. Lew Harned, has crafted a unique narrative for his centennial celebration.
Walking in with wheels and adorned with wrinkles, Harned expressed gratitude as he made it to the front of a crowd of waiting little ones at Milton Library.
“I’m just glad I could do it,” he said.
With a renewed sense of purpose, the 99-year-old veteran took a seat on his walker and started reading a book to the kids during their guest reading hour. This effort was number 42 on his list of 99 things he plans to accomplish ahead of his 100th birthday in August.
The former one-star general has spent the last few months doing lots of incredible things, like defying gravity at an indoor skydiving park near Chicago and trying handicapped curling in Madison.
He recently learned the art of glassblowing and created a beautiful glass ornament. Harned’s bucket list includes diverse and daring endeavors.
A proud World War II, Korean War and Desert Storm veteran, his mission soon will involve honoring fallen soldiers.
“God bless America,” Harned said when he spoke about his plans to lay wreaths on the graves of Wisconsin soldiers this holiday season.
In a poignant moment, he acknowledged the dwindling numbers of World War II veterans, and emphasized the historical significance.
“Right now, we’re losing 131 World War II veterans every day,” he said. “By 2030, there might be no World War II veterans alive.”
This was one of the main reasons the former orthopedic surgeon said he was so happy to give the children at the library a chance to meet a World War II Veteran and read them a story.
“Hopefully, it’s something they will remember,” he said.
Harned’s family played a pivotal role in shaping this ambitious venture. While he eagerly anticipates a flight in a military training plane for his August birthday, he humorously admitted he was not looking forward to zip lining this spring.
Follow Harned’s adventures, here.