Administration

Trump to oldest living Pearl Harbor vet: ‘Keep going!’

President Trump on Thursday wished America’s oldest living Pearl Harbor survivor a happy birthday, urging 105-year-old Ray Chavez to “keep going!”

“It is an honor to join your friends and family in wishing you a happy 105th birthday,” Trump wrote to the World War II veteran living in San Diego in an official White House letter. “I also join your many admirers in thanking you for your service to the United States of America.”

“As the oldest living survivor of Pearl Harbor, your remarkable story is treasured by our Nation, and the sacrifices you have made in service to our country should fill you with tremendous pride,” he added.

{mosads}“From your humble beginning in San Bernardino, California to the front lines at Pearl Harbor, your undaunted courage, love of country and unwavering commitment to freedom earned you the eternal respect and gratitude of the American people.”

Trump said Chavez’s military service is representative of the sacrifices many Americans made during World War II.

“Our Nation owes the Greatest Generation — your generation — a tremendous debt of gratitude for an extraordinary legacy of liberty and freedom around the world. It is a debt that our country can never repay,” he said.

“The values for which you so nobly fought have ensured security and prosperity for millions of people,” Trump added.

“Melania and I want to join your friends and loved ones in honoring and thanking you for your service to our great Nation. Our very best wishes for health and happiness in the coming year.”

Chavez told NBC News on Monday that he is thankful for every year he can celebrate his March 10 birthday with family and friends.

“Somebody upstairs is taking care of me and has extended my life this long and I’m very grateful,” he said.

Chavez was assigned to the USS Condor on Dec. 7, 1941, when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The sailor was at home in California during the attack, according to Hawaii News Now.

Japan’s surprise military strike on the Pearl Harbor naval base killed 2,403 U.S. military personnel and 68 civilians, helping draw America into World War II.