WWII Combat Injured Veteran Receives Amazing Gift

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — While some gathered for flag raisings to commemorate National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Sunday, World War II combat injured veteran William Harrison was honored in the most amazing way.

The 96-year-old man has lived in his Anne Arundel County home for 50 years. Considering his age and his health combined, it can be tough to work on his home and make necessary repairs. As a way to celebrate what Harrison did for his country, nonprofit Rebuilding Together and Lowe’s sent a crew of contractors to Harrison's home to help him fix it up that weekend.

“All these years, this is the first time in my life that I had someone come in and really open the door and give me a hand,” Harrison said. “I just didn’t expect all this. I think they the most wonderful people that I’ve ever been involved with and I hope it continues.”

Volunteers focused on repairing his sliding glass doors, making electrical updates and replacing his roof. The nonprofit has engaged in more than 27 projects like this so far this year. Barbara Cupp with Rebuilding Together told WTOP that they don’t ask for much time from their volunteers in the hopes of not burning anyone out.

“With one day a year from contractors, we could probably fix the whole county, literally,” Cupp said.