World War II veteran Ethelyn Szad Bell of Bonham, Texas, asked for cards to celebrate her 100th birthday on Oct. 4. And Texas, and the nation, delivered.

Bell, who requested only 100 cards, actually received more than 7,200, according to Dawn Buckingham, the Veterans Land Board Chairwoman and Texas Land Commissioner.

“It is deeply inspiring to see not only the Bonham community but also people from across our state and nation wholeheartedly embrace their duty to honor our veterans,” Buckingham said.

Bell began her service in March of 1945 at age 21. After completing the Basic Training Course for Army Nurses, she served with the Army Nurse Corps in the Philippines and Nagoya, Japan, during World War II. During her time in the service, she rose to the rank of 2nd lieutenant and was honorably discharged in July 1946.

After her time serving in the U.S. Army, Bell continued giving back to her community by working at the Veterans Administration Hospital in McKinney. A blind date led to meeting her husband and fellow U.S. Army veteran, Charles Bell. Together, they moved to Prosper where they raised a son and daughter. Mrs. Bell worked as a dedicated elementary school nurse in McKinney for many years until she retired at the age of 55.

Contributing: Palestine (Texas) Herald-Press and Odessa (Texas) American.

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• World War II veteran requests 100 cards for 100th birthday