For the past two years, 97-year-old WWII veteran Ray Ruoff has been carrying around a thank-you letter by an anonymous writer.
Now, he finally knows who that writer is: a 12-year-old girl by the name of Andersen Hamilton.
Andersen wrote the letter two years ago on Veterans Day, not knowing to whom she was addressing it, except for the fact that it was going to a veteran. In the letter, she thanks the recipient for his or her service, even adding that she wants to be just like them when she grows up.
Little did she know that the letter would go to Ray after an honor flight to Washington, D.C. Since, the veteran has said that out of all of his medals and awards, this letter means the most to him. An article was even written of the veteran's appreciation.
Fortunately, a family friend saw the article and reached out to the veteran, claiming to know the author.
In a fortunate twist, Ray and Andersen happen to live just a few miles from one another, in Grove City, Ohio.
They were able to meet at the Grove City Police Department, which hosted the event — Ray was also a police officer for 26 years. Cameras were also there to capture the tender moment between the vet and his young admirer.
Andersen was able to express her appreciation in person: "I’m not only honored to meet you, but I’m truly blessed to be able to talk to you and share my excitement of how much you mean to me."
The two became fast friends, and plan on meeting again.
If Andersen's admiration for the vet warmed your heart, please SHARE!
