Mall Santa Claus Honors 93-Year-Old WWII Vet by Kneeling

With Christmas around the corner, one viral Facebook post of a mall Santa Claus kneeling in front of a World War II veteran is reminding people to spread gratitude this holiday season. 

The photo was posted by Gina Wilbur, who was visiting at Concord Mall in Delaware on Dec. 1 when she saw the mall Santa and decided to take a photo, according to People.  

“Just as I was ready to take the picture, Santa stopped short to shake the hand of a gentleman, a WWII Veteran, sitting on a wall next to me,” Wilbur told the magazine. “As Santa reached for his hand, the gentleman began to stand and then Santa knelt down on one knee to show his appreciation.”

Check out the heartwarming post below:

“He spoke in a soft voice, thanking him for his service and spoke of others he knew who had served,” Wilbur continued. “Then he stood up and went back to his chair to greet the children.”

The post instantly brought joy to her feed, as people began recounting other kind things various Santa impersonators have done for them.

“I even received a Facebook message from Mrs. Claus boasting about her kind, endearing husband we all call Santa,” Wilbur said. “If you are looking for the real Santa, I know him!”

The veteran approached by Santa is 93-year-old Bob Smiley, and the two later reunited in the mall. “We owe a debt of gratitude to men like this, that have made such a life-changing decision to give up themselves, be willing to lay down their life even, for other people,” Santa told the local FOX 29 station.

“This picture is no longer just and image but a photograph that came to life,” Wilbur said. “It goes so much deeper because of those two men.”