Seamstress gives Navy veteran his dream uniform

World War II veteran Joe Hall wanted to be buried in his Navy uniform. Seamstress Susan Williams spent 100 hours to help make his dream come true. Steve Hartman shares more in “On the Road.”
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[@jessetorres8738]

Here's something interesting to consider: Any World War 2 veteran still alive today would have to be at least 94 years old.

[@GarC170]

I know. When I was a kid in 80s-90s it felt like WWII vets were all over the place. But now it’s hard to accept how few of them we have left and even harder to accept in a few years how there won’t be a single one left.

[@agamemnonpadar5706]

@@GarC170 I was born 1966 in Germany. As a kid and young man, 70s and 80s, there were so many vets of our army around, in the family and in public. As a child I often wondered why there were so many, even in our school, men an arm or leg missing, blind or having terrible scars. Half of the teachers in my school were vets, and believe it or not, even them were former German soldiers, most were against war and hated what had happened to them. My Latin teacher, a true gentleman, at one occasion cursed because he lost his youth and health. WW2 was very alive when I was young, but for my children, 24 and 27 now, it just a long gone past, not much of interest and when them try to imagine all in b/w.

[@muffs55mercury61]

@@GarC170 The last I read (Aug, 2021) there are just 340,000 left. I started my working years in the 1970s when WW II vets were still in their working prime. I was lucky to have a bunch of awesome co-workers thru the years.

[@G1CAAAAEO]

I also have the same impression, always hearing about the War in my youth like it was not even that of a distant memory. Now I hardly find anyone who was either born at that time or has memories of the War.

[@lauriepowell3959]

He also will want to buried in. Yep, he just said so. I understand completely. Thank Susan for her kindness.

[@12HappyDonuts]

The "Dress Blue" uniform had to be the most comfortable uniform ever made. Not only that, it was sharp. You cocked your dixie cup and strutted.

[@MNY-ps1nz]

Go Navy..thank you for your service Sir.

[@user-vm5ud4xw6n]

This was wonderful! Thank you Susan for making a Navy veteran so happy. Bless you!!

[@Boneman67]

As a veteran I solute you thank you for your service my man

[@jk3dad]

This brought a tear to my eye and warmed my heart. God bless him and all of our veterans.

[@brucehayes5111]

A true American that is proud of service to protect his country. So few of us these days.

[@StrongnBeautiful]

Lies

[@el7jake]

Again, Steve, how DO you do it? How DO you find these wonderful stories? It's a great way to close out the week. Thanks again.

[@darensmith5270]

GO NAVY! Thank you for your service sir! My uncle was a Pearl Harbor Survivor! My dad was a Naval officer in the 50's! At dad's funeral I said "Wishing you a happy voyage home dad!"⚓⛵⚓⛵⚓⛵⚓

[@solitarybeag]

We were able to bury my WWII vet dad in his Army uniform. His service was dear to his heart.

[@sureshchiatar9641]

The Greatest Generation, real people, no fakes.

[@thedhl777guy]

This hero, warrior and sailor deserves so much respect. He comes from a time when it was about sacrifice for the nation and world as a whole. We honor this hero. The day he reports for duty at his final duty station and sets sail again for his last voyage will leave a gap in our hearts and a loss to a nation. Spend as much time with warriors like this, learn from them. Once they are gone that generation will be lost forever. Special thanks to the kind woman who made his dress blues for him. You gave him a gift no one could possibly match.

[@elcabrito21]

My brother is a retired navy engineer, I'm proud of him 👏

[@oldsalt7534]

Thank you for your service Mr. Hall.

[@aaroneaton583]

Awesome story and what a wonderful woman to do for him

[@catsmeow6848]

THANK YOU for your service!

[@richardmockmore7501]

thank you for your service

[@WWTBAMWinner]

Joe Hall died on February 11, 2022, less than a month before his 98th birthday. Now he's with his wife of 67 years, Ethel Ashley, as well as his fellow sailors that served along with him.

[@muffs55mercury61]

Joe obviously put service above self in wanting to be buried in his uniform and reunite with all of his buddies. Seamstress Susan is very gifted and also puts service above self. Sadly her kind of work may soon be a lost art as now days most go to some big box store and just buys new clothes.

[@zackary6278]

Always love to see a local business get love on such a wholesome story

[@kimeverhart6253]

Wonderful ♥️

[@catdaddy57]

That's AWESOME. .

[@johnedwardjones999]

Great story. Thank you Joe and Susan! Most certainly Steve.🌠

[@myshirt84]

Beautiful story.

[@gailjames6489]

How do you fund these stories??? So fantastic and love it.❤

[@privacyvalued4134]

So few WWII vets these days. Their stories are critically important to demonstrate why war is the wrong answer to every problem facing mankind. Also really sad that not a single channel on TV shows war movies on Memorial Day anymore.

[@rachelgarber1423]

I think we were fighting fascism in WWII

[@hunterroberts9951]

i couldn't get a glimpse of his crow I wanted to see what his rating was. BM2 3rd fleet 84-88

[@thedhl777guy]

Looks like GM1 Gun Captain given the insignia on the left sleeve shipmate.

[@blusnuby2]

Big SALUTE, Joe Hall ! HOO-RAH Susan Williams !!

[@rafaeloviedo4183]

EPIC

[@MichaelIrish]

My Navy experience was a bit different.

[@StrongnBeautiful]

Couldn't have been worse than Sammy Davis Jrs Army experience. 😳

[@WeAllWeGot333]

It was good and bad ngl I missed my work shop but I understand what you mean I was boatswain mate third class it was rough

[@stephaniewilson6990]

Why would it take a seamstress to make one? Where is his original?? {I'm really curious] G-d bless her for doing it BTW]

[@Erik-pr2rf]

after that many years 1 it would be falling apart 2 maybe it got sold or donated 3 his body most likely changed from the time he wore the original uniform to now . my dad's navy uniform wouldnt fit him these days due to weight change and age ...

[@stephaniewilson6990]

@@Erik-pr2rf Oh.I see.I understand now. Thank you, Erik. G-d bless your father for serving!

[@miguelmacias8177]

I'm craving crackerjacks

[@StrongnBeautiful]

😏😊

[@christopherpluton1067]

fake news